State National Guard officials insist they’re ready to do their part in the event a massive hurricane like Hazel or Hugo threatens the South Carolina coastline.
That’s largely because since the war officially ended in Iraq, much of the personnel and equipment once committed toward liberating that country are back home, even though routine deployments still occur.
“Last year, we had a lot more deployed than currently,” said Lt. Col. Pete Brooks, spokesman for the S.C. Army National Guard. “This year we’re much better prepared.”
National Guard soldiers are a common sight during times of emergency, whether man-made or from natural causes.
Their mission when lending a hand in a hurricane is entirely a supportive one, assisting state and local authorities such as law enforcement and emergency workers in their goal of dealing directly with the storm and its effects.
They assist not only with providing security in evacuated areas, but also with debris removal and humanitarian relief.
The National Guard was ready to deploy when Hurricane Charley came calling on the Grand Strand a few weeks ago, but the need never arose.
Brooks said the plan in place would normally commit up to 1,600 National Guard men and women, if necessary, to help with evacuations as well as clean-up after the storm passes. About 3,800 troops are available statewide.
The equipment used in assisting with that cleanup, such as bulldozers, is being overhauled at Fort Stewart, Ga., after returning from overseas. Until it’s ready, Brooks said, there are agreements already established with private equipment vendors who would provide whatever was needed.
He also emphasized there has always been sufficient personnel to participate in such situations despite the many overseas deployments that have occurred since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the war in Iraq.
“We’ve always had enough soldiers to execute the state plan,” Brooks said. “We just have a better mix this year.”
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