Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs

Last month, DEMA joined members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Arizona Wing at Deer Valley Airport for an evaluated emergency response exercise.

This multi-agency training brought together around 150 participants to test incident management, communications, and specialized response capabilities under a simulated severe weather disaster.

Our team collaborated closely with CAP sections—including finance administration and unmanned aerial systems (drones)—to discuss how integrated technology can better support search and rescue operations during real-world emergencies.

Training with our partners ensures Arizona remains ready for any crisis. 🤝🛫

CASY 2026 kicked off last weekend with the Professional Development sessions which focused on emerging concepts in leadership, resilience, and artificial intelligence followed by the CASY Banquet which celebrated the excellence of our Airmen, Soldiers, and Civilian employees.

See more here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/azein/albums/72177720333934795/

When disasters strike, traditional cell towers, phone lines, and internet systems can become overloaded or damaged. That is when amateur radio—or "ham" radio—steps in. 📡

The Arizona State Emergency Operations Center is fully equipped with voice and data amateur radios, and every member of our communications team holds a ham radio license. This ensures we can maintain vital communication networks when standard channels fail.

Additionally, our Communications Section maintains RadioSTAT, a portable emergency advisory radio system. During a disaster, we can broadcast urgent emergency instructions on 1650 AM and 1690 AM to anyone within a 3 to 5-mile range. 📻🏜️

Behind the Alerts: How IPAWS and EAS Keep Arizona Informed 📱📻

Have you ever wondered how emergency alerts find you so quickly on your phone, TV, or radio during a crisis?

It’s all thanks to a powerful, integrated network designed to broadcast critical information simultaneously across multiple pathways.

What is IPAWS?
The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) connects federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial alert systems into a single national infrastructure. This network facilitates the rapid delivery of emergency warnings before, during, and after a disaster. In the event of a national emergency, it also allows the President to address the American people instantly.

The Role of the Emergency Alert System (EAS):
As a core vehicle of IPAWS, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) gives authorities the ability to send urgent public safety messages directly through:

📺 Broadcast television stations

📻 AM/FM radio stations

🔌 Cable and wireless cable systems

A Team Effort for Arizona 🤝🌵
To make sure these alerts work seamlessly when seconds count, DEMA’s Emergency Management division coordinates directly with key partners, including the National Weather Service (NWS), the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Arizona Broadcasters Association (ABA).

Regularly testing and maintaining this infrastructure ensures that no matter where you are in the Grand Canyon State, you get the warning you need to stay safe. 🛡️✨

The Lifeline of Disaster Response: Inside the DEMA Communications Section 📞📡

When a disaster strikes, communication isn't just important—it is paramount. Without reliable data and voice lines, coordinating life-saving resources would be impossible. That is why the DEMA Communications Section works around the clock behind the scenes.

What We Do:

System Management: We manage and coordinate the complex voice and data communication systems that link the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to local, county, and tribal partners.

Mobile & Alternate Readiness: Disasters don't always happen near a desk. Our team ensures that fixed alternate facilities and mobile command units are fully equipped and ready to deploy at a moment's notice.

Built-in Redundancy: We don’t rely on a single point of failure. Multiple backup communication paths are configured, maintained, and heavily protected.

Ever Prepared, Always Tested 🛠️🌵
We don't wait for a crisis to see if our systems work. The Communications Section regularly tests and exercises these backup paths to guarantee they will function seamlessly during a real-world event.

By keeping our networks resilient, we keep Arizona connected and protected.

This year’s MAC VII tested Soldiers’ ability to employ multiple weapons systems effectively across different operational environments, ensuring they are prepared to fight and win in a large-scale combat environment.

Tap the link for more ➡️ https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUyuy

Show some love to our azng team who placed 🥉overall in the competition!

Competitions such as the MAC VII provide an opportunity for national guard soldiers from different states and regions to exchange techniques and skills, strengthening interstate partnerships and fostering the adaptability required in large-scale combat operations.

📸Sgt. Logan Trotter

Today we honor the fallen who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

A special thank you goes out to Soldiers from A Co. 1-158th IN who paid a visit to the gravestone of SSG Charles Browning who was killed in action on June 1, 2007 while responding to an IED blast in the vicinity of Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan.

We strive to keep the names and memories of SSG Charles Browning, SSG Thomas Rabjohn, PFC Mykel Miller, SSG Darrel Kasson, CPL Jeremiah Robinson, Sgt. Howard Allen, and SGT. Elijah Wong alive and never forget the sacrifices they made for our state and country. 🇺🇸

When emergencies happen, coordination is everything. 🤝

The Arizona Mutual Aid Compact (AZMAC) provides the framework for cities, towns, tribal nations, and fire districts to share resources and personnel when they are needed most. By establishing clear procedures and reimbursement terms ahead of time, AZMAC ensures that our local responders can focus on what matters: keeping our communities safe.

We encourage all qualifying jurisdictions—from public education districts to tribal nations—to participate in this unified approach to public safety. 🛡️🌵

Growth. Readiness. Excellence.

The Arizona Adjutant General invites you to the 2026 Professional Development and Civilian, Airmen, and Soldier of the Year Banquet, where we recognize those who set the standard.

Join us Saturday, May 30th at the Arizona Grand Resort for a day dedicated to sharpening our force.

Engage in high-impact professional development, strengthen the connections that power our mission, and stand alongside leaders and teammates who embody excellence across our formation. We will close by honoring the Civilian, Airmen, and Soldiers whose performance defines what it means to be Ready Today and Stronger Tomorrow.

https://dema.az.gov/casy

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Congratulations to class 26-002!

Help us welcome the newest members of the Warrant Officer Corps! Click the link below to see more.⬇️

Warrant Officer Graduation Explore this photo album by Arizona Department of Emergency & Military Affairs on Flickr!