The Louisiana State Guard’s (State Defense Force) 4th Area Command (4AC) recently completed a comprehensive forklift training program at Camp Minden, Louisiana, aimed at enhancing the unit’s logistical capabilities. This initiative focused on equipping members with the skills required to support warehouse operations and Points of Distribution (POD) sites during emergency responses. The training included hands-on instruction in safe forklift operation, load management, and equipment maintenance, emphasizing readiness in both warehouse and field environments. Such training aligns with the 4AC’s ongoing commitment to operational preparedness, enabling them to provide critical logistical support to the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) and the Louisiana Military Department (LMD) during crises. Forklifts are essential in managing large-scale inventory and efficiently distributing supplies, such as food, water, and medical equipment, to affected communities during natural disasters. This training and the unit’s ability to effectively operate heavy equipment proved crucial last month, when the Louisiana State Guard was activated to respond to Hurricane Francine.
During Hurricane Francine, which struck in September, the Louisiana State Guard played a critical role in supporting emergency operations across the state. The Guard provided small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) support to the Louisiana National Guard’s Public Affairs Office, assisted the tactical operations center of the 1-141st Field Artillery Battalion at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, and helped the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment with point-of-distribution operations at the Bayou Blue Fire Department in Houma, Louisiana. “During Hurricane Francine, the Louisiana State Guard played a critical role in supporting emergency operations across the State,” explained Capt. (ret.) Daniel Stoute, public affairs officer for the LSAG. “Our teams assisted in warehouse logistics, POD site operations, and sUAS missions, ensuring that vital resources were distributed quickly and efficiently.” This recent training in forklift operations directly contributed to the success of these emergency missions, demonstrating the importance of maintaining a well-prepared force to provide vital relief to communities when disaster strikes.
Louisiana State Guard 4th Area Command Conducts Forklift Training to Maintain Readiness for Warehouse Logistical Operations and Points of Distribution (POD) Sites
Camp Minden, LA – October 19, 2024 -The 4th Area Command (4AC) recently completed a comprehensive forklift training program aimed at improving the unit’s logistical readiness for both warehouse operations and Points of Distribution (POD) sites. Held at Camp Minden, the training ensures that members are prepared to support supply chain logistics and emergency response missions across various operational environments.
This hands-on training is part of the 4AC’s ongoing commitment to maintaining operational readiness, allowing the unit to assist the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) and the Louisiana Military Department (LMD) with critical logistical support during emergencies, including natural disasters. Forklifts are essential for managing warehouse inventory and for use at POD sites, where large quantities of essential supplies, such as food, water, and medical equipment, are distributed to the public in disaster situations.
The training covered safe forklift operation, load management, and equipment maintenance, ensuring members are equipped to handle heavy loads efficiently and safely in both warehouse and field environments.
Lieutenant Colonel George Baxter, Commander of the 4th Area Command, highlighted the importance of the training. “Our ability to provide rapid and effective logistical support during disaster scenarios is crucial. This forklift training not only prepares our team for warehouse operations but also for managing critical supply distributions at POD sites, which are vital to getting resources to affected communities when the state needs us most,” said LTC Baxter.
The 4th Area Command plays a key role in the state’s emergency response efforts, with logistics being a central component to delivering vital resources in times of crisis. By maintaining proficiency in forklift operations for both warehouse and POD site support, the 4AC ensures it is ready to respond swiftly and effectively when called upon.
Here is an article covering The Louisiana State Guard Activation during Hurricane Francine:
La. National Guard augmented by force-multiplier, La. State Guard, during Hurricane Francine response
By Staff Sgt. David C. Kirtland, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
NEW ORLEANS- The Louisiana State Guard played a vital role in supporting multiple operations during the response to Hurricane Francine. LASG provided small unmanned aerial system support to the Louisiana National Guard’s Public Affairs Office, assisted the tactical operations center of the 1-141st Field Artillery Battalion at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, and helped the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment with point-of-distribution operations at the Bayou Blue Fire Department in Houma, La., from Sept. 11-15.
“During Hurricane Francine, the Louisiana State Guard played a critical role in supporting emergency operations across the State,” explained Capt. (ret.) Daniel Stoute, public affairs officer for the LSAG. “Our teams assisted in warehouse logistics, POD site operations and sUAS missions, ensuring that vital resources were distributed quickly and efficiently. We worked hand-in-hand with the Louisiana National Guard to provide relief to communities impacted by the storm.
Additionally, a LASG chaplain collaborated with the 1-141st to provide spiritual and emotional support to Soldiers and responders operating in Terrebonne Parish. This holistic approach ensured that LASG’s coordination with the LANG and other state agencies efficiently delivered essential resources to the communities impacted by Hurricane Francine.
The mission of the LASG is to build and maintain a well-organized force ready to support the LANG and the Louisiana Military Department during emergency response operations, under the direction of the adjutant general. LASG members bring specialized skills and experience that serve as valuable assets to LANG and LMD. The governor of Louisiana, as commander-in-chief, may partially or fully activate the LASG in response to declared disasters or other major events.
“The Louisiana State Guard is a dedicated, state-led force of volunteers with a wide range of skills, committed to supporting our communities in times of crisis,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) Larry Benton, commander of the LASG. “During Hurricane Francine, we were mobilized to assist the Louisiana National Guard as a force multiplier in emergency response efforts, ensuring that vital resources reached those in need and reinforcing our mission to safeguard the citizens of Louisiana in the face of disaster.”
Headquartered at Jackson Barracks, the LASG conducts monthly drills, focusing on operations and logistics to support state and parish emergency efforts during disasters. In 2005, LASG members were mobilized to assist response efforts following Hurricane Katrina.
While retaining its mission to provide key logistical and administrative support to the LANG’s major installations during emergency responses, the LASG has expanded its role to include supporting LANG’s Joint Operations Center in Pineville, the Tactical Command Post at Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in Baton Rouge, and the LMD at Gillis W. Long Center in Carville.
As the LASG advances its emergency response capabilities, the lessons learned during Hurricane Francine provide a solid foundation for future operations. Looking ahead, the LASG aims to strengthen its collaboration with the LANG and other state agencies to optimize support roles and reduce response times. Anyone interested in joining the State Guard should visit https://geauxguard.la.gov/ for more information.
