Natural disasters are a rising burden for the National Guard

The National Guard is facing an increasing burden due to the growing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, according to new Pentagon data. The data reveals that climate change is significantly shaping the mission of the National Guard, with reservists being deployed more often to respond to extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. The data shows that the number of National Guard activations for domestic natural disaster response has increased by 60% over the past decade. This has led to a strain on the National Guard's resources, as they are called upon to assist in disaster relief efforts more frequently, diverting resources from other training and readiness activities. The article highlights the need for the government to address the impact of climate change on the National Guard's operations and to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure the Guard can effectively respond to these growing challenges.