Hurricane Helene Fact Page
Q. How is the National Guard called to help?
A. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency requests support from the Tennessee National Guard through a request for assistance. Once approved, Tennessee National Guard units are called to serve on State Active Duty, where guard members and their activities are paid for by the state of Tennessee. TEMA then direct what missions the Tennessee National Guard is assigned.
Q. Is the National Guard directing the response to Hurricane Helene?
A. No. The Tennessee National Guard always works in support of local and state emergency responders when conducting domestic operations such as the disaster response mission now underway. We act at the request of state and local emergency response agencies, and we will mobilize as many Guardsmen as required to meet the needs of our communities.
Q. Does putting Soldiers and Airmen on this mission hamper the Guard’s ability to deploy on federal military missions?
A. No. The National Guard has a unique dual mission that sets it apart from other military components. In times of disaster, the Governor can activate the Tennessee National Guard, through the request of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, to provide immediate and long-term relief and aid to affected areas. The Tennessee National Guard has over 13,000 trained Soldiers and Airmen in the State of Tennessee ready to respond at a moment’s notice to assist our fellow citizens in the wake of disaster. Concurrently, the Tennessee National Guard is postured to support our federal mission and operate alongside our active-duty counterparts anywhere in the world. These deployments are often planned years in advance and have zero impact on our ability to support domestic operations. Currently, the Tennessee National Guard only has 6% of its force deployed for federal missions leaving Tennessee with 94% of its force ready to respond and support Tennessee.
Q. How long will the mission go on?
A. We will continue to provide as many resources for as long as requested to help restore our communities.
Press Releases regarding the Tennessee National Guard and Hurricane Helene response effort
Friday, September 27, 2024 - Tennessee National Guard assists emergency responders in East Tennessee
Sunday, September 29, 2024 - Tennessee Guardsmen continue assisting rescue efforts in East Tennessee
Tuesday, October 01, 2024 - Tennessee National Guardsmen continue relief efforts in East Tennessee
Saturday, October 05, 2024 - Tennessee Guardsmen continue supporting Helene recovery efforts
Monday, October 07, 2024 - Tactical Water Purification System Established in East Tennessee