They said when a hurricane or tropical storm is expected to hit the state, they prepare just in case they need to step in to make sure everyone is safe.
“We have the resources. We have the vehicles and we’re ready, and we’re postured to help the citizens,” said 59th Troop Command Brigade Commander, Denton Smith
The South Carolina Army National Guard has a combined force of around 11,000 soldiers and airmen, so when there is a storm, the governor can call them to action.
He also has the authority to do so when there is not a natural disaster.
“Our adjutant general, General Stilwell, he is that conduit and he works directly with the governor. He determines the capability and he exercises that capability with the governor,” Smith said. “Then as myself [Smith], as a brigade commander, he’ll tell me how many soldiers he needs, what resources he needs, what that capability and what we’re looking at.”
When they are on the ground, they use equipment and resources to partner with the state to help.
“The South Carolina Emergency Management Division works closely with the South Carolina National Guard and members of the State Emergency Response Team before, during, and after hurricanes to keep people safe and support local communities,” South Carolina Emergency Management Division Director, Kim Stenson said.
“You got to go get them, and we’re never going to say no,” Smith said. “That’s what we do. When you wear the cloth of the nation, you’re here to support and defend and protect the citizens.”
Smith added they have important tools they use including a vehicle to help people evacuate the area if there is mass flooding.
“The citizens want to make sure that they have a resource and that resource is a high-water vehicle that they can go into, 30 plus inches of water and they can be secured,” Smith said. “We have ladders on the back that we can get the citizens of South Carolina on the back. We can EVAC them out of the affected area.”
Smith said they have sent soldiers to help other states with storms like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, but their main priority is South Carolina.
He added it’s very important that the counties and agencies request their help when needed so they can go out and do their mission.
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