United We Stand – Coordinating Disaster Response in the Minnesota National Guard

In times of crisis and emergencies, the Minnesota National Guard plays a crucial role in providing support and assistance to local communities. At the heart of their response efforts lies the Joint Operations Center (JOC), a command hub where coordination, planning, and execution of disaster response take place. To gain insights into the inner workings of the JOC, we spoke with Major Jeffery Houglum, the Chief of Current Operations in the Minnesota National Guard.

When a request for assistance is made to the Guard, it initiates a series of protocols and coordination efforts. Major Houglum explains that when a local situation or emergency exceeds the capabilities of the managing agency, the local emergency manager works in conjunction with the county sheriff to make a formal request to the Guard. Once the mission is approved, the governor’s executive order is issued, authorizing the support from the National Guard. The JOC operates under the authority of the governor, ensuring a unified and coordinated response to community needs.

Major Houglum’s role as the Chief of Current Operations draws upon his extensive leadership experiences. Having served in various positions throughout his career, including multiple deployments and managing operation centers at different levels of the Army, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his current role. His expertise extends beyond national borders, as he has also advised foreign allies in developing and improving their own operation centers and processes.

The Minnesota National Guard actively participates in joint exercises and conferences with surrounding states throughout the year. These tabletop exercises simulate large-scale disasters that could affect multiple states, enabling each state to understand the capabilities and resources of their counterparts. Major Houglum highlights the importance of such collaboration, as it enhances mutual support and strengthens response efforts during emergencies that transcend state boundaries. Additionally, national-level conferences provide opportunities to discuss capabilities, identify intergaps, and explore ways to streamline response efforts in the face of large-scale disasters, such as hurricanes.

The Minnesota National Guard supports a wide range of emergencies as directed by the governor. Major Houglum explains that their primary traditional missions in the state are seasonal in nature. Spring brings flood responses and community support, while summer progresses into wildfire response and support. As the colder months approach, they transition into winter storm responses. Additionally, the Guard trains for civil disturbance response and support. However, flexibility is key, as they adapt to emerging needs. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they provided support in long-term care facilities and operated testing and vaccination sites, showcasing their ability to respond to unprecedented challenges.

Each state’s National Guard possesses unique capabilities and resources. Major Houglum emphasizes the importance of understanding and leveraging these assets when responding to emergencies. For example, Minnesota’s response to winter storms primarily focuses on the southern half of the state, where open and flat terrain often leads to high winds and hazardous road conditions. In contrast, the northern part of the state, characterized by forests and a lower population, experiences fewer extreme wind conditions but faces different challenges during wildfires due to its hilly and forested terrain. By comprehending these regional distinctions, the JOC can deploy appropriate resources to areas where they are most needed.

While its primary purpose is to coordinate the state’s response to emergencies and disasters, the JOC also serves as a hub for coordinating law enforcement, public safety, and other state agencies in times of peace. Even in the absence of a crisis, the JOC remains an active hub of activity, with teams of experts monitoring a wide range of potential threats. The facility is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year, and operates with a small core team of personnel who are augmented by specialists from various agencies when needed.

In addition to serving as a central coordination point for emergency response operations, the JOC also provides a range of services to support other state agencies in their daily operations. For example, the facility houses the state’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which is responsible for monitoring and responding to cyber threats.

Moreover, the significance of the Joint Operations Center (JOC) in Minnesota extends beyond its role during times of crisis. While its primary function is to coordinate emergency response activities, the JOC also plays a crucial role in facilitating interagency collaboration and fostering a culture of preparedness even in periods of relative calm.

During peacetime, the JOC serves as a central hub where representatives from various agencies, departments, and organizations come together to share information, exchange best practices, and conduct joint planning exercises. This collaborative environment allows for the establishment of strong working relationships and effective communication channels among different stakeholders involved in emergency management.

By engaging in regular meetings, training, and exercises, the JOC enhances the coordination and integration of resources, expertise, and capabilities across multiple disciplines. It serves as a platform for conducting drills and simulations that simulate real-life emergencies, enabling responders to test their skills, identify areas for improvement, and refine their response strategies.

Furthermore, the JOC serves as a repository of valuable knowledge and lessons learned from past incidents. It maintains a database of historical data, incident reports, and post-event analyses, which can be used to develop more informed and effective emergency response plans. This knowledge-sharing fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ensuring that emergency response personnel are well-equipped to handle future challenges.

Additionally, the JOC acts as a liaison between the local community and state authorities. It serves as a point of contact for community leaders, providing them with accurate and timely information during emergencies and helping to address their concerns. This community engagement fosters trust, transparency, and resilience, as residents feel confident in the government’s ability to respond effectively to any crisis.

The Joint Operations Center in Minnesota is not solely reserved for times of crisis but serves as a proactive and dynamic entity that operates even during periods of peace. Its ongoing activities and initiatives promote interagency collaboration, enhance preparedness, and strengthen the overall resilience of the state. By maintaining a constant state of readiness and fostering a culture of coordination and information sharing, the JOC ensures that Minnesota is well-prepared to respond to emergencies and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.