According to American Forces Press, the New York National Guard will ring in the New Year “on the job” adding another layer of assistance to local law enforcement in New York State and another level of protection for party-goers.
As thousands of end-of-year partiers flood the streets, parks and waterways in and around New York City, members of the New York National Guard’s Joint Task Force Empire Shield (JTFES) will assist the New York Police Department with security operations including thwarting potential terror threats.
Members of the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard, state-only defense forces, also serve in JTFES.
Twenty-two airmen and soldiers of the New York National Guard's 24th Civil Support Team are trained to detect and identify hazardous materials and will not only support the NYC Police Department but also FDNY looking for suspicious materials possibly designed to cause chaos.
The New York National Guard will also have its Joint Operations Center near Albany manned with enough soldiers and local leaders so that in the unlikely event of an emergency the Guard can respond quickly if directed to do so by Governor David Paterson.
Monitoring the airspace east of the Mississippi, is the New York Air National Guard’s Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) made up of active-duty New York National Guardsmen and Canadian Forces personnel.
EADS is part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Based out of Rome, NY, they are the Eyes in the Sky and can direct assets as needed to defend U.S. airspace. Their assignment for New Year’s Eve is nothing out of the ordinary. Celebration or not, this is their “watch” every day and every night.
Thanks to local, state and county law enforcement agencies and fire departments, with an assist from the New York National Guard, New Yorkers and thousands of their closest friends will be able to party safely in the Big Apple.
The National Military Examiner publishes articles that don't always hit mainstream media including all combat-related troop losses.
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