Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has mobilized 140 Arkansas National Guardsmen to state active duty to assist with winter storm response across the state. The troops will staff 28 winter weather response teams to help Arkansas State Police transport stranded motorists to safe areas until road conditions improve.
An additional 12 Guardsmen will provide administrative and command support, four will assist with public affairs, and 12 more will help with debris removal. Guardsmen are set to begin duty on January 23 and will provide around-the-clock support until they are no longer needed.
Each response team includes five Guardsmen, two Humvees, and communications equipment. Teams can recover first responder vehicles to safe areas but are not authorized to move privately owned vehicles.
Troops from multiple Arkansas National Guard brigades will be deployed across the state, including Forrest City, Pine Bluff, Warren, Hot Springs, Clarksville, Little Rock, Newport, Jonesboro, Harrison, Fort Smith, and Lowell. The 189th Airlift Wing will provide additional personnel for debris removal at the request of the Arkansas State Police.
The Arkansas National Guard supports civil authorities during crises as directed by the Governor.
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