NORMAN, Okla. - Emergency response agencies from across the state gathered for the Oklahoma National Guard’s second annual Domestic Operations Symposium, held at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma, April 14-15, 2025.
The symposium brought city, state, federal and neighboring states together to find ways to build partnerships in the event of a domestic emergency or man-made disaster.
“What I think the Guard brings to the table is the ability to be in the right place at the right time and bring everyone together with a common picture,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “We work with [emergency response agencies] to supplement their capabilities in those affected areas.”
When activated for a domestic response, the Oklahoma National Guard acts at the direction of the incident command and local agencies, offering capabilities ranging from wildland and aviation firefighting, flood and tornado response, engineering assets and more.
Some familiar domestic responses include the 2019 floods in northeastern Oklahoma, the 1999 and 2013 Moore tornadoes, as well as several missions assisting neighboring states for hurricane relief efforts.
While some Oklahomans may not consider the possibility of a domestic emergency until it’s too late, agencies attending the symposium can't afford such complacency, as their mission focuses primarily on preparing long before disaster strikes. Part of that preparation includes training alongside agency partners to ensure everyone understands each other’s processes.
“I don’t want to meet [agency partners] for the first time on an Oklahoman’s worst day,” said Lt. Col. Brent Hill, deputy director of military support for the OKNG. “I think this event is absolutely vital for domestic response—let's build those relationships now.”
This year’s symposium included speakers and panel discussions focused on various subjects including domestic responses the state has witnessed before, with an added focus on wildland firefighting and the growth of counter-UAS capabilities.
“We are there to support everyone in this room,” said Col. Khalid Hussein, OKNG director of military support. “The Oklahoma National Guard stands ready to support you.”