The military prepares for emergencies or natural disasters by developing detailed warning, control, and evacuation plans. Emergency management specialists prepare emergency plans and respond to all types of disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or enemy attack.
What They Do
Emergency management specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assist in preparing and maintaining disaster operations plans
- Train military and civilian personnel on what to do in an emergency
- Operate and maintain nuclear, biological, and chemical detection and decontamination equipment
- Conduct surveys to determine needs in the event of an emergency
- Monitor disaster preparedness activities and training operations
- Serve as members of emergency response teams
Helpful Attributes
Helpful school subjects include algebra, chemistry, physics, geometry, and trigonometry. Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to plan and organize
- Ability to work calmly under stress
Training Provided
Job training consists of classroom instruction, including practice in the use of nuclear, biological, and chemical detection and decontamination equipment. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:
- Defensive procedures for nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare
- Preparation of emergency plans
Work Environment
Emergency management specialists work indoors when conducting training sessions and preparing disaster plans. Sometimes they work outdoors while operating decontamination equipment and monitoring disaster training.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian emergency management specialists work for federal, state, and local governments, including law enforcement and civil defense agencies. They perform duties similar to military emergency management specialists.
