MILITARY ARCHIVES
Civil Defense: The Unseen Pillars of Preparedness
Stephen Kastensmidt, Scott C. Lanham and John T. “Tim” Briery
September 10, 2025
Core to homeland security are institutions such as active-duty military, the National Guard, FEMA, and local first responders. Complementing these core institutions, however, are three often underrecognized forces that provide consistent, often uncompensated support: the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and State Guard units. This article explores
A Sixth Framework? Civil Defense and the Future of Emergency Management
George M. Schwartz
August 27, 2025
Comprehensive emergency management in the U.S. evolved from World War II and Cold War-era civil defense, but today, civil defense plays little to no role in emergency management policy. With most Americans expecting a major conflict within the next decade, it is time for a sixth framework.
The Evolving Landscape of Domestic Extremism
Richard Schoeberl
August 20, 2025
Extremism in its many forms remains a growing threat in the U.S. There is heightened concern about ongoing violent extremist reactions to both domestic sociopolitical developments and international events that may be used to justify attacks. Countering this threat requires a comprehensive strategy, including improved intelligence efforts, stronger partnerships, and
State Defense Forces: The Untapped Backbone of Emergency Response
Robert Hastings
June 25, 2025
As disasters become more frequent, states face pressure to expand response capacity without raising costs. With stretched National Guard resources, limited federal support, and finite mutual aid, states have an overlooked resource: Title 32 State Defense Forces.
Why Emergency Management Is a Good Career for Transitioning Veterans
Mathew Perrill
June 11, 2025
For many service members, the transition from the military to a civilian workforce can be challenging. They have been trained in a specialized skill set and now must determine how to effectively apply those skills in civilian employment. In the emergency management field, veterans can find the vocational purpose they
A Holistic Strategy for Responders’ Well-Being
Camilo Olivieri
May 7, 2025
First responders and emergency managers face constant, high-pressure stress from trauma, long hours, and critical decisions. This often leads to chronic stress, increasing risks of heart disease, mental health issues, and substance abuse. Their ability to help others depends on prioritizing their own well-being through proactive self-care.
The Societal and Economic Dangers of Agroterrorism
Michael (Mike) Nicholls
March 12, 2025
While Ireland’s potato blight was destructive to the Irish population, modern agroterror attacks could be designed to hurt a nation’s economy rather than to kill its people. However, positively identifying agroterrorists would be a formidable task.
Back to the Basics: Navigating Crisis Leadership
Andrew Pence
February 19, 2025
From historic catastrophes to today’s challenges, crises pose significant public threats. By returning to the basics and prioritizing deliberate preparation, organizational leaders can build greater resilience, enhance performance, and lead effectively when it matters most.
Imagining the U.S. Without Power: A Dual-World EMP Exercise
Charles (Chuck) L. Manto, K. Luke Reiner and Dave Hunt
February 12, 2025
A dual-world tabletop exercise simulating an electromagnetic pulse event in Chicopee, Massachusetts, revealed startling discrepancies in outcomes between the city’s current preparedness and a moderate-preparedness simulation.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure From Weaponized Drones
David Winks, Steve Chill, Frederick Ferrer, Michael J. "Apollo" Lovell, Mike Swearingen and Mary Lasky
December 4, 2024
Electricity substations are traditionally only protected by chain link fences and signage warning of the dangers of high voltage. However, this still leaves property vulnerable, especially to weaponized drones attacking from above, a mode of terrorism being used more extensively across the world and at home.
Growing Foreign Threats to National Security, Part 2: Emergency Management Approaches and Choices
Glen Woodbury
October 30, 2024
This is Part 2 of a two-part article that explores the nation-state threat and its implications for the emergency management community regarding the operations, resilience, resourcing, strategies, and policies necessary to better prepare for future events.
Growing Foreign Threats to National Security, Part 1: Challenges and Considerations
Glen Woodbury
October 23, 2024
Part 1 of a two-part series explores the nation-state threat and its implications for the emergency management community, regarding the operations, resilience, resourcing, strategies, and policies necessary to better prepare for future events.
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