Article Out Loud – Civil Defense: The Unseen Pillars of Preparedness

This is an article by Stephen Kastensmidt, Scott C. Lanham, and John T. “Tim” Briery, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, September 10, 2025.Core to homeland security are institutions such as active-duty military, the National Guard, FEMA, and local first responders. Complementing these core institutions, however, are three often underrecognized forces that provide consistent, often uncompensated support: the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and State Guard units. Learn more about statutory roles, operational responsibilities, and vital resources that these forces offer from the perspective of three senior leaders actively engaged in their operations.Now to the featured article.