Citation

Johnson RJ. Disaster Med. Public Health Prep. 2017; 11(4): 412-416.

Affiliation

US Army and University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center,Houston,Texas.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Publisher Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/dmp.2016.175

PMID

28799520

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This article reports on State Defense Forces (SDFs) as tools for providing coordinated, disciplined, trained, and uniformed volunteers to augment civilian disaster response and advance public health.

METHODS: This report draws on and describes the example of the Texas State Guard's Medical Brigade and its Operation Lone Star.

RESULTS: Although SDFs have downsides, since they are largely self-sufficient, they are far less expensive and burdensome yet nonetheless effective alternatives.

CONCLUSIONS: Future avenues for further inquiry are suggested. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:412-416).

Language: en

Keywords

Operation Lone Star; State Defense Forces; Texas State Guard; public health