The Georgia State Defense Force recently participated in a large scale hurricane response exercise with The National Guard, Georgia Emergency Management Agency & Georgia Homeland Security. Senior leaders from each organization including The Adjutant General (Senior National Guard General), Commanding Generals of The Army National Guard, Air National Guard & State Defense Force were in attendance. The exercise involved a large top down map of Georgia with leaders overlooking and analyzing damaged caused by a simulated hurricane.

As the mock exercise proceeded simulated calls for assistance were sent from localities that were affected. National Guard & State Defense Forces leaders responded by deploying their units as each call came in. Soldiers moved unit designation markers throughout the map of Georgia to represent the deployments.

These simulated exercises are quite important as it can uncover roadblocks that may delay response actions as well as improve coordination between multiple agencies. It helps ensure that when a disaster strikes the citizens of Georgia receive emergency response assistance immediately.

The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) joined the Georgia National Guard, along with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and other state agencies, in attending a HURREX (hurricane exercise) in preparation for the upcoming hurricane season, Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Ga., May, 4, 2023.

GSDF Commanding General Brig. Gen. Mark D. Gelhardt Sr. and other GSDF personnel attended. The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense.

Georgia State Defense photos by GSDF Commanding General Brig. Gen. Mark D. Gelhardt Sr.

The Georgia National Guard is proud to be hosting and participating in a Hurrex (hurricane exercise) alongside the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and other state agencies.

As hurricane season approaches, we want to remind everyone to review their emergency preparations. Don’t wait until it’s too late to make sure you have what you need to weather the storm. #BeReady #HurricaneSeason #Hurrex

Sources: Georgia National Guard – Georgia State Defense Force