I am making the strong assumption Fifth Army is sending Liaison Officers to impacted states. The military is one of the most forward planning organizations for national disasters due to the expectation it will be tagged to execute tasks and missions. Right now, it is dual hatted to defend N American and provide Defense Support of Civil Authorities.

That's assuming the states ask for help. Regular military can't move on disaster response unless the state(s) request it.

That's why the response was dorked up with Katrina. Because Gov. Blanco didn't ask for the help from FEMA or the Pentagon until after the storm hit.

Katrina was actually before they reshuffled the responsibilities of First Army and Fifth Army. Back then, they were each responsible for both reserve component training assistance and DSCA (Defense Support to Civil Authority) in their respective geographic areas. First Army was east of the Mississippi, Fifth on the west. So of course, Katrina hit right on the boundary line.

(I was assigned to the AC/RC brigade at Fort Lewis - 1st Bde, 91st Division - when Katrina happened.)

Smeghead4761 said:

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That's assuming the states ask for help. Regular military can't move on disaster response unless the state(s) request it.

That's why the response was dorked up with Katrina. Because Gov. Blanco didn't ask for the help from FEMA or the Pentagon until after the storm hit.

Katrina was actually before they reshuffled the responsibilities of First Army and Fifth Army. Back then, they were each responsible for both reserve component training assistance and DSCA (Defense Support to Civil Authority) in their respective geographic areas. First Army was east of the Mississippi, Fifth on the west. So of course, Katrina hit right on the boundary line.

(I was assigned to the AC/RC brigade at Fort Lewis - 1st Bde, 91st Division - when Katrina happened.)

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You are correct. Fifth Army sent a Liasson Officer to Texas for one of the hurricanes, but Governor Perry refused to integrate the LNO. He said Texas could handle it without federal help beyond FEMA funds. I read a 200-page AAR written by the government pertaining to Katrina and it painted an event that was FUBAR from practically every perspective. LTG Honore was the bright spot. His Blackhawk landed, stepped out, cussed, and took over the situation.

I was AD and served a couple years with a NG 1-67 TSC which supports Fifth Army in DSCA operations. It was quite interesting to see how the other half lives. AT got interesting. Some of the young women donned some skimpy bikinis and indulged in using a slip and slide. Of course, alcohol was involved.

A few years later I wrote a DFAS SOP on how DFAS supports DSCA operations, pay recipients, and contractors. It was a very painful experience. However, it gave me the frame of mind to write SOPs. I would eventually write a DTS SOP with lots of pictures and the Geico Caveman on the front cover. I am glad I wrote the SOP because I learned how to use it. It entailed a few minutes to use DTS to put NG soldiers on AD orders to support DSCA operations.

Geico Caveman

I have to give props to the Coast Guard. They rescued tens of thousands of people in the first few days after Kartrina hit NOLA.

Was is Katrina or Harvey that gave birth to the "Cajun Navy?"

I'd rather watch paint dry than sift through a random DTS SOP