Michael Potthast

Nebraska National Guard

The Nebraska National Guard serves dual state and federal missions. The state mission of the Nebraska National Guard is to provide trained and equipped organizations to protect life and property, and to preserve peace, order and public safety. Nebraska National Guard troops are called to state active duty to execute missions within the state when authorized by the governor. The adjutant general of Nebraska serves as both the senior military officer in charge of the Nebraska National Guard as well as the State Emergency Management director. To assist the adjutant general with the day-to-day operations of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), an assistant director is appointed. In the event of a disaster or an emergency, local government responds using local resources. When these resources are deemed inadequate and state resources are required to cope with the situation, local officials contact NEMA day or night. NEMA assesses the disaster and makes recommendations to the governor on whether a state declaration is needed. If the governor declares a state emergency, state resources -- to include the Nebraska National Guard -- can be used within certain restrictions to provide assistance. The federal mission of the Nebraska National Guard is to provide the United States combatant and geographical commanders with trained and equipped units ready for national emergency or war, in accordance with U.S. Department of Defense plans. Troops are called to federal service for national defense missions, either in the United States or abroad, when authorized by the president. The Nebraska National Guard is made up of the Nebraska Army National Guard, which consists of nearly 3,400 Soldiers in units located in 23 communities across Nebraska, and the Nebraska Air National Guard, which is made up of nearly 1,000 Airmen located either at the Nebraska National Guard air base in Lincoln, Nebraska, or with the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base.