National Guard Domestic Planners Unite To Sharpen Readiness
When serious events or disasters occur within the United States, citizens and emergency management agencies look to the soldiers of the National Guard for assistance. Members of the National Guard must be prepared to respond to both federal deployments overseas and events within the homeland. National Guard readiness doesn't happen by accident; it is forged through deliberate planning and collaboration.
From Feb. 10-12, National Guard planners, from each state and territory as well as the District of Columbia and National Guard Bureau, attended the 2026 National Guard Domestic Operations (DOMOPS) Conference at Camp Robinson, AK. This year’s conference was framed around readiness for "emerging (unplanned) events, emerging threats and planned events."
Gatherings like this workshop provide an opportunity for leaders and planners to share lessons learned from recent floods, wildfires or civil support missions to help prepare others should they need to provide support to a similar crisis in the future. It also gives service members time to discuss updates related to the multitude of activities planned for this summer, from FIFA World Cup to America’s 250th Birthday. The Guard is planning ahead, ensuring the safety and security of major national events and our communities.
Domestic Operations is a key event in the planning year, but the readiness of Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) staff is honed year-round through multiple training events. These courses and workshops ensure planners are prepared for any contingency, from local emergencies to catastrophic national crises.
During their recent annual training, JFHQ participated in the Joint Staff Training Course (JSTC), which is the only course in the Department of War that collectively trains and educates state joint staff. The JSTC provides planners with the essential tools to succeed, grounding them in the joint operational planning process to effectively plan for both no-notice disasters and pre-planned events alike. It builds the fundamental planning skills needed to translate a governor's guidance into decisive military action.
Next month, planners who work within the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) framework will attend the Emergency Response Workshop. The EMAC is the mutual aid system that allows support to be provided to other states during an emergency, so the supported state gets what they need in a timely manner and the ones aiding the supported state have assistance and needs met as well.
The combination of the DOMOPS workshop, continuous staff training, along with additional meetings and conferences related to emergency preparedness, allows for the National Guard to plan effectively and be ready should a need arise overseas, or in our commonwealth and nation. The National Guard is constantly adapting and evolving to meet new threats, honoring the high standards set by those who served before.