Possible Missions for the US Army Auxiliary

The establishment of the US Army Auxiliary holds immense potential for supporting national defense and emergency management. While the auxiliary is not yet a reality, its envisioned missions would align closely with emergency management and disaster response. Additionally, the Auxiliary would provide invaluable support to the US Army, Army Reserve, National Guard, and other forces as needed. The scope of its missions can be adjusted based on the nation's requirements, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness.
 

Given the similarities to State Defense Forces and State Guards, future members of the US Army Auxiliary would be encouraged to become Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) certified through the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) until the US Army Auxiliary can develop their own emergency management training. 

 

The following are some of the logical and impactful missions the Auxiliary could undertake:

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Search and Rescue (SAR)

Search and rescue (SAR) would be a vital mission for the US Army Auxiliary, leveraging the skills and dedication of trained volunteers to save lives during emergencies. As part of this mission, Auxiliary units would be equipped and prepared to respond rapidly to a variety of situations, including natural disasters, missing person incidents, and large-scale emergencies.

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Auxiliary members specializing in SAR would undergo rigorous training in techniques such as navigation, first aid, survival skills, and the use of specialized equipment. They would be organized into highly coordinated teams capable of working alongside other emergency services. Equipped with tools like GPS devices, medical kits, and communication gear, these teams would be ready to locate, stabilize, and evacuate individuals in distress. This mission not only enhances the overall emergency response capabilities of the military but also fosters a sense of community safety and resilience.

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Shelter Operations

A critical mission for the Auxiliary would be the establishment and management of shelters for evacuees. Forming dedicated units, possibly at the company level, to handle shelter operations ensures that trained personnel with a clear chain of command can quickly set up and manage shelters. These units would be equipped with all necessary resources and trained in all aspects of shelter management, including the tracking of evacuees, pets, and property.
 

Americans Helping Americans

When not actively responding to disasters, Auxiliary members would engage in volunteer community service. Each unit would forge local partnerships to identify where their assistance is most needed. This could include holding classes on emergency preparedness, providing first aid training, and educating the public on survival strategies during crises.
 

Medical/Nursing/Public Health

Healthcare professionals are always crucial during emergencies. The Auxiliary would include a robust cadre of physicians, nurses, technicians, and administrative staff, all trained in emergency medical operations. This ensures that comprehensive medical care is available during large-scale mobilizations, supporting military treatment facilities and allowing active-duty medical personnel to be deployed where needed.
 

Public Safety/Security/Traffic Control

Though the Auxiliary would not be a law enforcement agency, members would not be armed and would not have powers of arrest.  Qualified members could support law enforcement in various capacities, such as traffic control, unarmed patrols, securing supplies, eyc.. With many members potentially having backgrounds in military police or civilian law enforcement, their experience would be invaluable for maintaining order and safety during emergencies.
 

Communications

Effective communication is paramount during disasters. The Auxiliary would harness the expertise of amateur radio operators and other communication specialists to ensure reliable communication channels are maintained, even if traditional infrastructure is compromised.
 

Transportation

Transporting supplies and personnel efficiently is a significant challenge during disasters. The Auxiliary would assist the local authorities by providing transportation support, leveraging members who hold commercial drivers' licenses or have professional experience as mechanics.
 

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

In scenarios where local government resources are overwhelmed, Auxiliary members trained in CERT operations would be pivotal in providing first aid, clearing houses, and managing utilities, ensuring swift and effective disaster response.
 

Engineers

Engineers within the Auxiliary would play a key role in clearing debris, repairing infrastructure, and supporting construction projects. Their expertise would be critical for restoring normalcy and aiding recovery efforts.
 

Chaplains/Spiritual Support

Recognizing the emotional toll of disasters, the Auxiliary would include a Chaplain Corps, providing spiritual support and counseling to victims and responders alike. These chaplains, meeting rigorous standards akin to military chaplains, would be a vital asset in promoting mental well-being during crises.

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing/Counselors would offer critical incident stress debriefing, helping both victims and emergency responders process their experiences and maintain mental health during and after emergencies.

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These are just a few potential missions for the US Army Auxiliary, demonstrating its capacity to significantly enhance national resilience and emergency preparedness. Establishing this auxiliary force would ensure that the nation is better equipped to handle a variety of challenges, with trained personnel ready to serve at a moment's notice.

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