ARLINGTON, Va. - Double the amount of available equipment will strengthen the National Guard's response to hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, Maj. Gen. William Etter, the director of domestic operations for the National Guard Bureau, said at a media briefing held by the Federal Emergency Management Agency today.
In addition to equipment, Etter said there are about 65,000 National Guard troops available in the Gulf Coast states. About 400,000 are available throughout the country, which is an increase of 10 percent from three years ago.
Etter cited a "strong interest" and support from Congress and the Department of Defense for the increase in the National Guard's equipment levels.
Along with the personnel and equipment, Etter said a "great relationship" with U.S. Northern Command and other federal partners "will strengthen our response."
"Our response will be rapid and effective," he added.
Etter also strongly encouraged residents to follow instructions given by local emergency management officials.
As of today, governors in three states have activated National Guard personnel to respond to Tropical Storm Gustav, including 3,400 in Louisiana, up to 5,000 in Texas, and 3,000 in Alabama.
The Florida National Guard has released most of the 500 troops it activated for Tropical Storm Fay, but a core team will continue to monitor Gustav as well as Tropical Storm Hanna, over the weekend.