The National Guard's Role in Disasters
From Disaster Zone by The Readiness Lab
February 11, 2026 · 52 min · Season 6 · Episode 6
About this episode
The episode discusses the National Guard's dual role in national defense and disaster response, featuring insights from Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh.
The National Guard can be found in every state. They play a unique role in being both a federal and state government asset. In this podcast you will learn about the role of the National Guard in our national defense and also when disasters strike. Our guest represents not only the Washington National Guard, but also emergency management for the State of Washington. Therefore, we’ll also examine the anticipated challenges moving forward as FEMA reduces their support of states and local governments before, during and after disasters. Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh is The Adjutant General, Washington National Guard, at Camp Murray, Wash. Maj. Gen. Welsh was appointed as The Adjutant General of Washington on 29 June 2024. General Welsh is the commanding general of all Washington Army and Air National Guard forces and oversees the State’s Emergency Management and Enhanced 911 programs. He also serves as Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor of Washington and as State Administrative Agent for all United States Department of Homeland Security grants awarded to Washington’s state, local, tribal and non-profit agencies and organizations. General Welsh enlisted in the United States Air Force in…
People in this episode
Guest: Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh
Topics covered
- National Guard
- disaster response
- emergency management
- FEMA
- state government
- national defense
Keywords
- National Guard
- disasters
- FEMA
- emergency management
- Washington
- Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh
- state government
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Washington National Guard, FEMA, United States Department of Homeland Security, Air National Guard, United States Air Force
Places: Washington, Camp Murray, Wash.
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