Engineer Assessment Teams in Disaster Relief Operations
Abstract
Engineer support to civilian authorities during disaster relief operations is one of the primary missions of U.S. Army National Guard engineers. In today's security-centered operations, it has become more apparent that efforts to restore or recreate essential infrastructure must be properly coordinated, supervised, and maintained by qualified officers and noncommissioned officers (NCOs) to properly represent the capabilities and professionalism of state military department assets. As a leader assigned to an engineer assessment team (EAT), you will make initial assessments of disaster severity and help organize engineer work teams (EWTs) to execute assigned missions. EATs must make the immediate decisions on the ground that meet the intent and guidance of their command or state task force. Depending on the requirements of EATs, they must coordinate, assess the situation, develop estimates, and report findings to higher headquarters. The initial assessments can be narrow or broad in scope, but estimates will give the requirements for assistance to local authorities. Whether used for civilian rescue in flood operations or debris cleanup after a tornado or hurricane, EATs must be readily available and on the ground as soon as possible to immediately address the needs of local agencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA596635
Entities
People
- Thomas M. Turner
Organizations
- United States Army Engineer School