U.S. Military Personnel and Hurricane Response Efforts (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Oct. 18, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IN12445 |
| Report Type |
Insight |
| Authors |
Kristy N. Kamarck, Coordinator; Nicholas M. Munves |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
On September 26, 2024 Hurricane Helene made landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida at Category 4
strength. Subsequent heavy rains and flooding impacted Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina,
Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, with secondary impacts in some Midwestern states. This event
was followed shortly thereafter on October 10, 2024 by the landfall of Hurricane Milton (Category 3) on
Florida’s western coast. President Biden issued several emergency declarations under the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act, P.L. 93-288, as amended; 42
U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.) in preparation and response to these events. These declarations authorize a variety
of disaster assistance resources and programs (see CRS Insight IN12429, Hurricane Helene Recovery:
Brief Overview of FEMA Programs and Resources), including U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
resources to support search-and-rescue efforts, route clearance, and commodities distribution.
According to an October 6 press release, DOD planned to provide approximately 1,500 active-duty
personnel to support delivery of food, water, and other vital supplies to communities affected by
Hurricane Helene. In addition, more than 6,100 National Guard (NG) personnel from at least 18 states
have been activated under their governors’ authority. These personnel have been working alongside other
emergency response organizations, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the
United States Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services,
the Environmental Protection Agency, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army, as well as state
and local law enforcement and emergency response personnel.
According to DOD officials as of October 9, more than 5,000 Florida NG personnel had been mobilized
to support recovery efforts for Hurricane Milton and U.S. Army North is contributing active duty (Title
10) troops and equipment.
