Paramilitary Provision of Adequate Disaster Response and Advancement of Public Health: The Case of the Texas State Guard and Operation Lone Star.

OBJECTIVE

This article reports on State Defense Forces (SDFs) as tools for providing coordinated, disciplined, trained, and uniformed volunteers to augment civilian disaster response and advance public health.

METHODS

This report draws on and describes the example of the Texas State Guard's Medical Brigade and its Operation Lone Star.

RESULTS

Although SDFs have downsides, since they are largely self-sufficient, they are far less expensive and burdensome yet nonetheless effective alternatives.

CONCLUSIONS

Future avenues for further inquiry are suggested. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:412-416).