Recommendation:
The National Guard responded to 71 natural disasters in FY18, including 8 hurricanes or tropical storms, 19 floods, 15 winter storms, 26 fires and 2 severe weather events logging more than 2.1 million man-days supporting state and federal homeland operations. Wildfires started earlier than normal this year and expanded faster than in past years. Thousands of Guardsmen responded from numerous states. In addition to this the Guard also assisted 564 state and local law enforcement agencies and 335 community based organizations helping with the seizures of more than 35,000 pounds of drugs (Marijuana, meth, heroin, & cocaine). National Guard Joint Incident Site Communications Capability teams set-up and operated a “self-contained communications package” at the Super Bowl and numerous other major events and exercises last year. Key to National Guard Defense Support to Civilian Authorities is the multifaceted support provided. National Guard members directed traffic, helped evacuate families, provided logistical support, flew helicopters with water buckets, flew C-130s that dropped fire-suppression slurry on blazes and actually were on the ground helping fire crews battle the blazes. In addition they provide site security, surveillance, monitoring cameras, Drone detection, presence patrols, training, technical support, services, intelligence analysis, show of force, roadblocks/checkpoints, force protection, and security for a myriad of multi-agency operations. Guardsmen are also used to free up agents to leave their desks and get back out to the field increasing LEA’s ability to perform their missions more effectively. Clearly LEA’s often get overwhelmed and require the assistance provided by the National Guard in manpower and equipment. Current High Definition Thermo Imagery systems used are stand alone, prepositioned, or hand held and limited in scope. The solution and best force multiplier to augment LEA operations is a fully mobile stabilized zoom camera system with; thermal infrared, High Definition Color, Laser Range Finder, and Laser Illuminator that can Record Video, Snapshot pictures, designate grid coordinates (LAT/LONG & MGRS) up to 12,000 Kilometers with human detection. The interoperability capability to simultaneously live stream into multiple agencies Command Posts, computers, smart phone, and tablets significantly increases information sharing and accuracy of the common operating picture. This new mobile camera system is documented and proven successful in support of: ESF #3 – Public Works and Engineering; ESF #4 – Firefighting; ESF #5: Information and Planning; ESF #6: Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Temporary Housing and Human Services; ESF #9 – Search and Rescue; ESF #10 – Oil and Hazardous Materials Response; ESF #13 – Public Safety and Security.