Ella Steele

The strategic plan for the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) aims to establish the agency as the nation's premier responder to local, state, and federal missions. Key strategic pillars include fully manning the Army and Air National Guard, sustaining readiness infrastructure, enhancing the state's disaster response capabilities, and integrating National Guard resources into state government to support public safety. The plan focuses on advancing all-hazard response, ensuring trained and ready military personnel, supporting public safety through National Guard integration, and funding state-only projects that bolster National Guard readiness.

The meeting included discussions on current events and an overview of the Gila County Flooding event, recovery efforts, and the allocation of the Governor's Emergency Fund. The State Emergency Council approved motions to allocate funds from the FY26 Governor's Emergency Fund, State Mitigation Projects, the 2021 Border Crisis Declaration, and the 2010 Winter Storms Declaration to the Gila County Flooding event. A call to the public was made for comments/questions, but none were presented. The next meeting date was to be determined at a later date.

The primary goal is to expand the AQS program and increase available resources for statewide and national deployments. By the end of 2025, the aim is to have at least 50% of the staff credentialed in at least one position. Additionally, the goal is to have all 15 counties and at least five of the 22 tribes with a director or deputy director credentialed in one position task book within AQS.

The State Emergency Council meeting commenced with roll call, confirming a quorum was present. The general business included the approval of the minutes from the October 10, 2025, meeting. There were no declared, amended, or terminated emergencies reported since the last meeting. Key discussions involved an overview of the Governor's Emergency Fund balance for Fiscal Year 2026 and an update on the status of open state emergencies and associated disaster balances. Additionally, a proposed re-allocation action for consideration was presented. The council unanimously passed five motions to re-allocate funds from various prior events, specifically directing funds toward the Gila County Flooding event (SD2602) and the Oxbow Bridge Collapse event (SD2601). The meeting concluded after a brief call to the public.

This document details the Arizona Army National Guard's FY26 Operational Approach, serving as a roadmap for focusing energy and time towards mission objectives, lethality, and readiness. It emphasizes revised Lines of Effort, including People, Culture, Resource, Train, Develop, and Deploy, with the aim of building trust, camaraderie, and a positive organizational climate. The plan serves as a guide for leaders at all echelons to establish unit-level goals, prioritize training, and build skilled, disciplined teams.