I was talking to my friend last night about the recent flooding in Texas and Oklahoma and we then were discussing the floods in the Hannibal-Quincy area in past years and the National Guard’s involvement in fighting them. The topic of disaster relief in this country then followed.

When tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes occur, volunteers from all over the country assist organizations like the Red Cross in relief efforts. This has been the norm for years in the United States. It is my belief that this country needs a Military Rapid Disaster Response Team or MRDRT to handle those situations when they present themselves.

This is not a slam at the Red Cross when I say this. But to have a military “division” ready to be implemented just makes sense. This MRDRT would consist of military personnel who leave the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard. When they leave, they could sign up for a two year rapid deployment reserve duty. When a disaster strikes, they would be ready to go with the Red Cross assisting as well.

These people would already be trained in logistics, communications, transportation and other fields that would be needed in a time of crisis. It would be similar to our National Guard. But lately, our Guard has been used to assist our current forces. The Red Cross would still very much be needed but primarily with assistance to the Military.

To have a Military Rapid Disaster Response Team ready to go is a plan worth considering.

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