POSSIBLE MISSIONS
Since the Florida SDF is not yet a reality, once it is established, we expect it's many missions will be closely aligned with emergency management/disaster response. Just like other states, the Florida SDF will most likely work very closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
We expect all future members of the Florida SDF to become MEMS qualified as soon as possible after joining. The MEMS (Military Emergency Management Specialist) program is administered by the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) here.
The missions listed on this page are many of the most logical missions that members of the Florida SDF can perform. Additional missions can be added when needed.
Shelter Operations
One mission that we have identified is that of opening and operating shelters for those who have evacuated from their homes. We suggest that entire SDF unit, (possibly company sized units) be formed that can arrive at a location and immediately set up and operate a shelter for as long as is required. An additional mission can be tracking all evacuated persons, pets, property via the use of a dedicated tracking system similar to the one used by the Texas State Guard.
Members of the unit will already have been vetted and trained in all aspects of shelter operations. They will arrive as a unit with their chain of command already in place along with any other equipment needed to operate. This will solve the situation of having to train people as the incident is transpiring.
The shelter unit will have sub-units in command, administration, operations, security, medical, communications and other areas vital to a successful shelter. By giving this mission the the Florida SDF will relieve the National Guard and other organizations from doing it since this can be a dedicated mission to an SDF unit.
Floridians helping Floridians
When not training for or being called up a disaster or emergency, Florida SDF members will be standing by and assisting their local communities in many ways.
Volunteer community service will be a mission in every SDF unit. This mission can be broad and wide-ranging and each unit will be encouraged to develop local relationships with local organization to see where the SDF can best serve the community.
One way to be of service is to hold local classes on emergency preparedness. Classes can range from teaching people what to prepare for (food, shelter, transportation), first aid and how to stay informed in an emergency. By educating the public on these issues will enhance their chances of surviving a potentially disastrous situation.
Manpower
Since the Florida SDF is not yet a reality, once it is established, we expect it's many missions will be closely aligned with emergency management/disaster response. Just like other states, the Florida SDF will most likely work very closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
We expect all future members of the Florida SDF to become MEMS qualified as soon as possible after joining. The MEMS (Military Emergency Management Specialist) program is administered by the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) here.
The missions listed on this page are many of the most logical missions that members of the Florida SDF can perform. Additional missions can be added when needed.
Medical/Nursing/Public Health
Medical and nursing personnel are always needed during emergency operations. The Florida SDF anticipates having a large cadre of trained healthcare professionals that can take time away from their usual practice to give to the people of Florida.
Physicians, nurses, technicians and administrative personnel will be trained in emergency medical operations and be able to provide care, anywhere. No need to worry about if the person is licensed in Florida or not, The Florida SDF will amke sure that they meet or exceed all licensure requirments.
Public Safety/Security/Traffic Control
Although the Florida SDF is not a law enforcement agency, members can assist law enforcement in a variety of ways. From directing traffic to standing guard on supplies, the Florida SDF will be trained in traffic control and security operations. Each member will also have their background checked and have the training they need to perform their missions.
We anticipate that many members of the Florida SDF will be former Military Police and/or Florida state certified law enforcement officers who live in other parts of the state who can respond if needed.
We do not anticipate Florida SDF members to be armed, but the state does have that option if they choose it.
Communications
With today's technology, a person can be connected to the world via their smart phone and the internet. But what if our current communications infrastructure is destroyed by natural disaster or man-made attack?
How will people communicate? Radios have always served in this capacity, especially amateur (ham) radios. Many amateur radio operators are usually already associated with various amateur radio clubs around the world.
We hope to tap into this network if needed. Since the Florida SDF will be a unique organization in the state of Florida, we hope to attract radio operators as members and bring their knowledge, skills and equipment to bear when needed.
Transportation
Getting supplies from one point to another is always a challenge during a disaster. Therefore, we hope to help the Florida National Guard with transporting goods, supplies and personnel when and where they are needed.
We do not anticipate the Florida SDF having our own fleet of trucks and vehicles, but we will be ready to support them when needed. We anticipate many of our members to already have commercial drivers licenses and/or be professional mechanics in their civilian lives and can step up to accomplish whatever mission they receive.
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
One definition of a disaster is when the needed resources to respond to it exceed the local government's ability to handle it. When that happens, the Florida SDF can be called to help with clearing houses, turning off utilities at the home/business, provide first aid and other services. Members of the Florida SDF will be trained in CERT operations to assist local authorities in emergency operations.
Engineers
We anticipate our engineers to be able to lend a hand clearing roads of storm debris as well as any other engineering task.
From getting houses We anticipate many members to be builders or in the construction business in their regular jobs and can bring those skills with them to serve the citizens of Florida.
Chaplains/Spiritual Support
Disasters and emergency operations are difficult times for victims and for the workers that respond to them to assist. It is our experience that there is usually no shortage of faith based groups that respond to assist.
We have already been contacted by numerous members of the clergy for possible membership in the Florida SDF as a chaplain. We anticipate our Chaplain Corps to be virtually indistinguishable from the military Chaplain Corps in relation to education and training. We think they will be a solid asset to the state in many ways other than during disasters.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing/Counselors
Critical incident debriefing is a must for all emergency operations. We hope to have a cadre of trained counselors to help talk with victims of disasters as well as to those who respond to them.