Welcome to the landing page for the 2017 SGAUS Conference!
For information about the conference and the workshops offered: Information.
For conference registration: Coming Soon.
For hotel registration: Hotel.
For family activities and area attractions: Activities & Attractions.
On behalf of the Executive Board and all the members, we wish to express our gratitude for the great partnership our Corporate and individual sponsors have established with our Association.
Please take the time to view the list and visit their web sites by following the link below.
Attention! ROTHCO Products Now in the SGAUS Store
SGAUS has partnered with Rothco, the world’s foremost supplier of military, tactical, outdoor clothing and gear. We have increased our store offerings from 68 to 1,375 items. Check us out at the SGAUS and/or Rothco store.
Founded in 1953, Rothco has provided the military clothing and outdoor retailer with top quality merchandise. Today Rothco serves over 10,000 dealers globally. While Rothco’s heritage is rooted in authentic military apparel and gear, Rothco also serves the Tactical, Public Safety, Survival & Preparedness, Outdoor & Camping, and Government Suppliers.
You must be a member of SGAUS to access the Rothco store though the SGAUS website. Price compare our products online, and you will see that our sales prices are below the retail prices of others.
Another value added service is provided to you as a member of SGAUS. Thank you for your support and your service in your State Defense Force.
Board of Directors, State Guard Association of the United States.
California State Military Reserve Establishes Maritime Component
ALAMEDA, California, March 18, 2017 – The soldiers and airmen of the California State Military Reserve (CSMR) could be forgiven for not knowing naval protocol for reporting aboard an aircraft carrier. Well-accustomed to working in the field with the California National Guard at Camp Roberts in Central California or at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos near Los Angeles, most CSMR troops had never heard a 1MC announcement, nor had cause to request permission to come aboard a warship – especially not one with the storied history of the decommissioned USS Hornet (CV 12), now pierside in Alameda, CA. Not since World War II had California had an operational maritime component – yet with the official activation of the CSMR Maritime Support Command (MARSCOM) on Saturday, March 18th, the Golden State once again seemed “haze gray and underway.”
“The Adjutant General, Major General David S. Baldwin, really wanted to see this happen,” said Brigadier General (CA) Frank Emanuel, CSMR’s Commanding General. “The Adjutant General understands that many of our service members bring a wealth of maritime experience to the California Military Department. Some have served in federal maritime services or in civilian maritime professions – either way, we want to maximize the use of their experience and talents in support of the State.”
The Maritime Component mission is to provide a qualified and ready force to support the California Military Department’s defense support to civil authority and response to natural or manmade disasters. BG (CA) Emanuel’s vision for the Maritime Component is to maximize the capability within the Naval and Marine forces. Additionally, Maritime will both lead and support operations in California’s harbors and on its inland waterways by partnering with other organizations (e.g., Coast Guard Auxiliary, Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, CalTrans, etc.) to increase their capacities.
Units of the California State Military Reserve’s Maritime Support Command (MARSCOM) in formation on the hangar deck of decommissioned USS Hornet (CV 12) in advance of the command’s activation ceremony. Maritime, Army, and Air service members represent California in this joint command.
While MARSCOM is the operational command that focuses on support to federal, state, and municipal agencies with maritime connections to their missions, the California Maritime Regiment (CMAR) is the maritime service component. CSMR Soldiers and Airmen were offered the opportunity to switch service components to become Sailors, with or without transferring to MARSCOM. Since all CSMR units are joint commands, there is now a mix of Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors serving in important roles throughout the organization.
Within its various units, MARSCOM is staffed by experienced sea service veterans, former Soldiers and Airmen, and even first-time military volunteers. Whether they are old salts who want to keep serving or new recruits who are joining a military organization for the first time, CMAR and MARSCOM have welcomed all volunteers. “I have a great deal of respect for all of our plankowners. It took personal courage to make the leap to Maritime and to help us build this new organization,” said Captain (CA) Michael Hanson, commander of MARSCOM. “I’m confident that their integrity, skill, and hard work will enable us to make many important contributions to the State of California in the years ahead.”
The more than 90 Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen of MARSCOM’s five operational units located throughout Northern and Southern California were well-represented aboard the decommissioned USS Hornet, and the historic warship buzzed with the energy of a formal unit commission ceremony. Sideboys rendered honors to the official party as the bosun’s pipe (played by a member of USS Hornet’s Vietnam-era crew) and the CSMR Band filled the ship’s hangar deck with the sounds that traditionally signify important naval events. MARSCOM’s official unit colors were unveiled for the first time and the first watch was officially set.
In a formal activation ceremony aboard decommissioned USS Hornet (CV 12), CSMR MARSCOM Senior Enlisted Advisors display the new command’s official colors for the first time.
“In almost 20 years of military service, this is the first time I’ve ever been a unit plankowner,” said Lieutenant (CA) Johan Lai, the commanding officer of MARSCOM’s North Harbor Detachment ONE and a veteran of both the Navy Reserve and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. “Now the real work continues for us: training, building our capabilities, developing our personnel. We’re part of a proud legacy of state military service, and we can’t rest on our laurels.”
With its complement of Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen participating in major state exercises, State Active Duty emergency activations, and ongoing operational missions with other units across the state, MARSCOM is already providing vital contributions to the CSMR, the California Military Department, and the State of California – and has done so with honor, courage, and commitment.
CSMR MARSCOM South Shore unit members share the stage with their commanding officer, CSMR’s commanding general, and MARSCOM’s commander aboard decommissioned USS Hornet (CV 12).
Alaska SDF Participates in Arctic Eagle
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — The Alaska National Guard participated in Arctic Eagle 2017, a command post and tabletop exercise, Feb. 22 – 26. Decision makers and supporting players practiced the logistics and coordination required to respond to a state emergency. The Alaska National Guard and other agencies assessed their ability to conduct effective and sustained operations in Arctic conditions. 
This year’s exercise was in preparation for Arctic Eagle 2018, a major emergency response exercise that will occur next year, which will test the capabilities and effectiveness of a multi-national, multi-agency response to a major incident in the state.
Arctic Eagle 2017 provided a platform for participants to practice operations in a collaborative environment and integrate new and emerging capabilities for responding to a state emergency in the harsh terrain and weather conditions of northern environments and challenging geographical locations.
The countries of Denmark and Canada partnered with the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska State Defense Force and other agencies, in collaboration with U.S. Northern Command’s Alaskan Command, to apply and respond to scenarios that will prepare them for the 2018 exercise.
“It’s important that we are proficient, equipped and effective at providing support to civil authorities as requested,” said Col. Tony Stratton, Alaska National Guard joint staff director of operations, training and exercises. “We are the first military responders to domestic emergencies, and we must be ready to help Alaskans in times of need.”
The command post exercise, commonly referred to as a “CPX,” employed the scenario of a failing satellite—powered by a nuclear reactor—in a deteriorating orbit, which reentered the earth’s atmosphere and broke apart, scattering radioactive debris on parts of Alaska.
GA SDF Conducts a Mobile Surge Hospital Exercise During Vigilant Guard 2017
The Air Dominance Center, Savannah, Ga., March 29, 2017 – Members of the Georgia State Defense Force (GA SDF), Georgia Air National Guard (GA ANG), Georgia Army National Guard (GA ARNG), Georgia Department of Public Health (GA DPH), Georgia Disaster Assessment Response Team (DART), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units, Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and Youth Challenge Academy cadets participated in Mobile Surge Hospital Full Scale Exercise, which is a part of a multi-state training exercise – Vigilant Guard 2017, sponsored by U.S. Northern Command, in collaboration with the National Guard Bureau.
The objectives of the exercise were outlined as follows: evaluating the existing response procedures during the catastrophic disasters; to grow the partnership among healthcare organizations, emergency responders, GA SDF, GA ANG, GA ARNG; and to identify areas for improvement.
During the exercise, Lt. Col. Michael Greene, Capt. Lee Duncan and Sgt. Jonathan Melko were assigned to lead the GA SDF Task Force in setting up, running and conducting the security of the Mobile Surge Hospital.
GA SDF Command Surgeon Col. John S. Harvey, who is also a Medical Director of the Medial Reserve Corps, GA DPH, was leading the joint State Medical Assessment Team. GA ANG supported the mission with the airlift by fixed and rotary wings.
GA SDF soldiers assembled the Mobile Surge Hospital at Air Dominance Center (ADC). The Medical Assessment Team and GA SDF Task Force (Medics, Communications, Force Protection and Public Affairs) arrived to ADC from the Dobbins Air Reserve Base (DARB), Marietta, GA by C-130 Hercules aircraft. The Mobile Surge Hospital contains the following sections: Triage, Medical, Trauma and a designated area for overflow patients, as well as an area for health and safety officers.
Youth Challenge Academy cadets were acting as casualties of the disaster. Victims (role players) were delivered by UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters from the “disaster” area in Tybee Island. Upon arrival to the Mobile Surge Hospital, victims were triaged by the Medical Assessment Team in order to determine the required medical care and distributed to the appropriate section of the hospital for stabilization.
GA SDF Chief Surgeon Lt. Col. Michael Greene walks by the Mobile Surge Hospital on March 29, 2017, that was set up at Air Dominance Center in Savannah, GA, during the Vigilant Guard 2017 exercise. Vigilant Guard 2017 Georgia is a multi-state multi-agency training exercise, sponsored by U.S. Northern Command, in collaboration with the National Guard Bureau.
Pfc. Sullivan and Pfc. Cowan were responsible for setting up and running a communications station at the Mobile Surge Hospital exercise area and establishing the line with Vigilant Guard exercise Mobile Operation Center (MOC) in Marietta, GA.
Joint GA State Medical Assessment Team conducts a triage assessment for the victim of the disaster (role player) as GA State Defense Force soldiers are staying nearby ready to assist during the Vigilant Guard 2017 exercise March 29, 2017, at Air Dominance Center in Savannah, GA. Vigilant Guard 2017 Georgia is a multi-state multi-agency training exercise, sponsored by U.S. Northern Command, in collaboration with the National Guard Bureau.
The following observers visited the Mobile Surge Hospital exercise area during the training and observed a dedication, selflessness and excellent team work within the participants.
Maj. Gen. Burton Francisco, Special Assistant to Commander of NORAD, NORTHCOM,
Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard, Adjutant General, Georgia Department of Defense,
Brig. Gen. Jesse T. Simmons, Jr., Commander, Georgia Air National Guard,
Brig. Gen. Thomas Carden, Jr., Commander, Georgia Army National Guard.
“During the Mobile Surge Hospital Full Scale Exercise members of multiple agencies were working together in realistic scenario,” – said Col. John S. Harvey – “such training will guarantee that a job will be done well if a real disaster should happen.”
GA SDF Mobile Hospital Task Force at Air Dominance Center March 29, 2017, during the Vigilant Guard 2017 exercise March 29, 2017, at Air Dominance Center in Savannah, GA. Vigilant Guard 2017 Georgia is a multi-state multi-agency training exercise, sponsored by U.S. Northern Command, in collaboration with the National Guard Bureau.
PRSG and PRANG Unit Partnership
During the April 9, 2017 regular scheduled drill, COL Edward L. Vaughan, 156th Airlift Wing Commander and COL(PR) Jesus Delgado, 1st Air Base Group Commander signed a Memorandum of Understanding solidifying the working relationship between the Puerto Rico Air National Guard and the Puerto Rico Air State Guard.
“Our partnership with the Puerto Rico Air State Guard is stronger today than ever.” said Vaughan. “In every way the 1st Air Base Group has been able to help us, they’ve done an outstanding job. Their dedication to our community and the 156th Airlift Wing is vital to our mission readiness. While State Guard Airmen work side by side the 156th AW Airmen on our regular scheduled drills, there were legal hurdles to mutual aid that weren’t solved. This MOU resolves a lot of those issues and shows our commitment to the outstanding relationship between the 156th AW and the 1st ABG, now and for years to come.”
COL(PR) Delgado said “For all of us in the 1st Air Base Group, signing this MOU is the culmination of years of efforts to formalize our relationship with the 156th AW. This is a historic milestone, and the beginning of a new era of partnership and joint work amongst us. Thanks to COL Vaughan, COL Figueroa, and all the 156th AW leadership and Airmen for believing and trusting in the integrity and capabilities of the 1st ABG’s Airmen.”
For more information … http://sgaus.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/156AW-and-1AB-MOU.pdf
Tennessee State Guard is Ready for Incident Communications
After more than three years of intensive training in emergency management and communications policies and procedures, the 3rd Regiment of the Tennessee State Guard has adopted the slogan, “We are Ready!”
“The promise I made the Regiment was that when they could demonstrate capabilities to successfully accomplish our mission we would hang a sign over the door that states, ‘We are Ready!’” said 3rd Regiment Commander, Colonel Tony Shipley. “The performance of this regiment during Vigilant Guard 2017 demonstrated that the 3rd is ready to deploy and serve effectively whenever we are called. We are ready.”
Preparing for natural and man-made disasters is a primary training requirement among emergency response agencies and military organizations tasked with state defense operations. Operating in a structured environment, using standardized command principles, and coordinating among multiple agencies is paramount to the successful operation. As all emergency management professionals know, timely and effective communications is key to having a positive outcome.
The 3rd Regiment training program was developed by Major Theodore E. Shelton, Jr. and Captain Marc L. Rednour of the Operations and Training Section, in conjunction with communicators CSM Johnny M. Essary, CSM D. Scott Caudill and Captain Lee Harrison. The training paradigm is based on breaking large tasks down into small manageable units that can be effectively explained, taught and learned. Soldiers learn best through repetitive acts based on understandable reasoning
Training at regimental and battalion drills involved standardized FEMA Incident Command System training along with ongoing communications practice. Support and assistance to soldiers encouraged all to seek the FCC Amateur Radio General license. Practice networks operate weekly and include digital training with FLDIGI and WINLINK to enhance the capability to transfer vital data in multiple and redundant formats. Integrating ICS knowledge with All Hazards Communications Leader (COMML) training built competency allowing the soldiers the ability to perform at a professional level.
Having achieved this level of capability, the training continues. Through FEMA National Incident Management Training available through online courses, regiment personnel are required to attain the SGAUS BASIC MEMS qualification and encouraged to seek more advanced individual skill-sets through local and state EMA training. Battalion and Regiment leaders urge soldiers to study further and participate in disaster exercises to earn SENIOR and MASTER badges and to pursue higher levels of FCC Amateur Radio licensure.
The TNSG Annual Training 2017 disaster exercise, Operation Vigilant Guard 2017, simulated a multistate disaster. Mobile Radio Package (MRP) teams were deployed into the field to assess, report, and search. Integrating search and rescue skills and using imbedded field medical personnel, these MRP teams participated in search and recovery of downed aircraft in a realistic functional exercise.
Command military elements integrated with other agencies based upon a multi-agency command center format. ICS principles and military training were blended to effectuate effective command guidance and coordination of the field teams. Utilizing the standard ICS ‘forms’ proved to be an essential asset to smoothly coordinate the command component of the exercise and demonstrate that the Regiment had trained in the exact way it would expect to react in a real-world event. It was evident that the Third Regiment’s determination and training had paid off as they integrated with non-military agencies in the planning and execution of the exercise.
Combining all these mastered skills into a functional skill set proved that the preparation and training worked. The exercise after-action brief declared “The Third Regiment is ready!”
A member of a 3rd Regiment Mobile Radio Package reconnaissance team, 1SG(TN) Michael L. Seals performs emergency triage on a “casualty” from a simulated helicopter crash during Exercise Vigilant Guard 2017 at the National Guard Training Site at Smyrna, TN. (Photo by SGT(TN) Rhonda Beffre)
CSM(TN) D. Scott Caudill (center) operates a remote battalion tactical operations center with SSG Ron Vowell (left) during Operation Aspen Arrow 2015, part of the ongoing training of 3rd Regiment personnel in emergency recovery operations and communications. (Photo by SGT(TN) Rhonda Beffre)
Texas State Guard Training for Hurricane
Texas State Guard members from across the state spent a day at Camp Mabry for the annual training event Saturday afternoon.
The training consists of shelter management operations, web-based emergency operations, evacuation tracking procedures, emergency communications and disaster district coordination support. The training activities are designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
“This Texas State Guard Annual Training prepares our soldiers, airmen and members of the maritime regiment to local emergency operations centers run by local officials, with the opening of shelters, registration and tracking of storm evacuees, conducting emergency communications and conducting ground search and rescue, in the event of a natural disaster,” Col. David Erinakes, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Texas State Guard said.
The Texas State Guard has been called to state active duty for hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and wildfire disasters in recent years. The volunteer military agency was created to respond to any natural disaster in Texas.
Watch the video at …
Virginia Defense Force Conducts COMM Training.
More than 160 members of the Virginia Defense Force conduct hands-on training to improve their individual skills in the areas of interoperable communications, incident management, traffic control and staff operations and planning April 1, 2017, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. Communications support, operations center augmentation and security assistance are some of the many different mission sets the VDF provides as the all-volunteer auxiliary to the Virginia National Guard authorized by the Code of Virginia. Those mission sets take advantage of the wide variety of public safety, military and civilian skills VDF members provide. For more information …
https://www.facebook.com/pg/VaDefenseForce/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1389604501109760
