ARLINGTON, Va. - Critical thinking is an important step in the planning process, said senior leaders of the Federal Emergency Management Agency while addressing attendees of the National Guard Bureau Director of Military Support Course held at the Army National Guard Readiness Center here.
“I want you thinking critically, (be)cause I see it in my profession, we tend to get so wrapped around process we forget outcomes,” said Craig Fugate, administer of FEMA. “Speed is an outcome, only if applied in a manner that now gets there in time to change the outcome.”
During his time speaking to attendees of the course, Fugate discussed operations at FEMA, noting the importance of inter-agency interactions during natural disasters and emergency situations. And, Fugate touched on the changes he has seen in his time as administrator in how both FEMA and the National Guard handle critical situations while supporting the American people in times of crisis.
“Since I’ve been here (as FEMA administrator) we have gone from talking about dual-status commanders to having it embraced by the secretary of defense, embraced and implemented by U.S. Northern Command and the actual appointment of dual-status commanders in several disasters now to include (Hurricane) Sandy. This is only done because of the recognition of the competency of the Guard.”
The DOMS course is a joint course that included members of the Air and Army National Guard, as well as other governmental agencies, that is now in its third year. With close to 200 graduates from all 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia, the course is offered twice a year.
The course allows attendees to develop a strategic picture of how local, state and federal emergency management agency’s come together with the National Guard to provide the American people with life saving support in times of natural disaster and crisis.
“We are fortunate and thankful that Administrator Fugate is willing to take the time to come and speak with us,” said Army Capt. Robert Lambert, joint operations action officer at the NGB. “He provides a strategic picture to visualize how big and complex emergencies can be.”
To listen to more of what Administrator Fugate had to say go to the National Guard Channel on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/thenationalguard
For more information about the DOMS Course contact Capt. Robert Lambert at 703-604-8388 or robert.lambert2@us.army.mil