DoD deploys dual commanders to help with hurricane efforts

For the first time this weekend, dual-commanders were deployed for a natural disaster, the Defense Department announced.

The role of dual-status commanders allows them to direct federal active-duty forces and state National Guard forces to respond to domestic incidents. The idea is to foster greater cooperation among federal and state assets during a disaster.

DoD announced it had named four such commanders to help with Hurricane Irene relief efforts. DoD said the dual status allows the commanders to streamline resources, get to the people who need help faster and avoid redundancy.

The four dual commanders are:

• Army Brig. Gen. James Trogden, North Carolina Army National Guard
• Air Force Brig. Gen.Carolyn Protzmann, New Hampshire Air National Guard
• Army Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey, New York Army National Guard
• Air Force Col. Donald Lagor, Rhode Island Air National Guard.

This story is part of Federal News Radio’s daily DoD Report. For more defense news, click here.

Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.