The military must be prepared for all types of emergencies, from natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes, to enemy attacks. Emergency management officers prepare warning, control, and evacuation plans. They also coordinate emergency response teams during natural disasters.
What They Do
Emergency management officers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Organize emergency teams for quick responses to disaster situations
- Research ways to respond to possible disaster situations
- Conduct training programs for specialized disaster response teams
- Develop joint disaster response plans with local, state, and federal agencies
- Obtain supplies, equipment, and protective gear
- Develop warning systems and safe shelters
- Direct disaster control centers
- Perform risk assessment activities to evaluate chemical, physical, and biological hazards
Helpful Attributes
Helpful fields of study include physical and environmental sciences, engineering, law enforcement, and business or public administration. Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Interest in developing detailed plans
Training Provided
Job training consists of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:
- Disaster planning
- Procedures for nuclear, biological, and chemical decontamination
- Effects of radiation
- Procedures for nuclear accident teams
Work Environment
Emergency management officers usually work in offices while developing disaster response plans. They work outdoors while inspecting shelters or directing emergency response teams.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian emergency management officers work for federal, state, and local governments, including law enforcement and civil defense agencies. They perform duties similar to those performed by military emergency management officers.
