Guard Plans Hurricane Support in Monticello

Photo By Lt. Col. Andy Thaggard | A large scale map of the Mississippi is the focal point of a hurricane logistics planning conference at the Monticello Army National Guard Readiness Center Aug. 15, 2020. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Andy Thaggard)  

MONTICELLO, MS, UNITED STATES

08.21.2020

Story by Lt. Col. Andy Thaggard 

184th Sustainment Command

MONTICELLO, Miss. -- More than 50 Mississippi Army and Air National Guard senior leaders and planners met at the Monticello Army National Guard Readiness Center on Aug. 15, 2020, to plan statewide logistical operations for any potential National Guard support to civil authorities for 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons.

Monticello is home of the 184th Sustainment Command, an expeditionary sustainment command, and they are responsible for planning and leading the sustainment effort to ensure that Soldiers and Airmen are properly supplied with food, equipment, fuel, and repair parts during any large scale relief operation.

"I need everyone here to remember, we are always in support of local civil authorities," said Brig. Gen. Clint E. Walker, 184th's commanding general.

Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) is a task 184th Soldiers are well versed in through experience from Katrina to COVID. Discussions focused not only on hurricanes, but potential natural disaster anywhere in the state.

Plans range from where military trucks can be repaired, to how to track, receive, and link up National Guard units from other states with ours - should another Katrina-level event every occur.

Returning from Kuwait nearly a year ago, the 184 will also draw on their experience supporting combat operations in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

And if Walker gets his way, the 184th will lead in-state DSCA sustainment efforts from their home station in Monticello.

I've asked my G6 (information technology) to work with the state to ensure we have all the networks we need to operate from here, said Walker.

With the last piece needed for the 184th to setup their own sustainment operations center in the works, Walker looks forward to continue building the relationship with the city and citizens of Monticello.

• Date Taken: 08.21.2020
• Date Posted: 08.21.2020 16:51
• Story ID: 376543
• Location: MONTICELLO, MS, US