Adjutant General
McGuire Testifies About Emergency Assistance to Local Communities, AZ Border and
Narcotics Operations
WASHINGTON, D.C.
– U.S. Representative Martha McSally yesterday held a hearing about the
military’s role assisting civil authorities and responding to disasters. During
the hearing, Arizona Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire testified about
the Arizona National Guard’s role supporting border and drug interdiction
efforts and discussed the challenges assisting local authorities when disasters
strike.
“Last week marked
the start of the 2015 hurricane season and areas out west, including in my home
state of Arizona, are gearing up for what is predicted to be an above average
wildfire season,” Rep. McSally said during the hearing. “In such emergencies,
defense personnel and assets act as flexible force multipliers to the
response.”
Click HERE to watch Rep. McSally’s opening
statement
During his
testimony, Maj. Gen. McGuire outlined two important areas where the National
Guard assists federal agencies in Arizona: combating drug trafficking and
strengthening border security as part of The Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force
and The Southwest Border Task Force. Maj. Gen. McGuire also testified about
potential opportunities to assist Border Patrol agents with aerial intelligence
and surveillance support.
Click HERE to listen to a portion of Maj. Gen.
McGuire’s testimony
To read Cronkite
News’ coverage of the hearing, click HERE.
