Buffalo National Guard Enhances Winter Storm Readiness

In early November, over 50 New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen convened at the Connecticut Street Armory in Buffalo for a comprehensive two-day tabletop exercise aimed at refining their command-and-control capabilities ahead of the impending winter storm season.

 

This collaborative effort brought together personnel from the 107th Attack Wing, stationed at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and the 153rd Troop Command Brigade, headquartered in Buffalo. Such joint exercises are crucial to ensure the Guard's ability to swiftly establish a unified Joint Task Force (JTF) when directed by the governor.

 

According to National Guard protocols, regional JTFs are essential for coordinating military support to civil authorities during emergencies, ranging from severe weather events to public safety incidents.

 

Col. William Snyder, who commands both the 153rd Troop Command Brigade and the JTF during the exercise, emphasized the importance of preparedness: "It isn’t something that just happens. We earn the right to say it by overcoming challenges in training and in real-life missions. Bringing together the Army and Air Guard as one team ensures we’re ready when called—and there when needed."

 

Rather than focusing on field operations, participants engaged in staff processes vital for JTF functionality, including task organization, personnel accountability, mission tracking, logistics coordination, and information dissemination to state partners.

 

Throughout the exercise, Soldiers and Airmen tackled simulated winter storm scenarios, such as traffic disruptions, multi-vehicle accidents, and public safety concerns. Each scenario required staff sections to assess, coordinate, and respond as they would during an actual activation.

 

Staff Sgt. Kaleb Acosta, the healthcare noncommissioned officer assigned to the JTF, highlighted the significance of such training: "Winter storms impact thousands of people in Western New York every year. Exercises like this make sure we’re a well-trained, efficient team ready to support our communities when things get tough."

 

Col. Snyder noted the influx of new personnel participating in the exercise, many experiencing a JTF structure for the first time. "We saw a lot of new faces—Soldiers and Airmen who may be new to the Guard, the unit, or domestic response operations," he said. "Everyone took full advantage of the time to train, learn, and build confidence through repetition and critical thinking."

 

He added that the exercise strengthened relationships between Army and Air Guard components, as well as between staff offices that may not frequently collaborate during normal operations.

 

"This exercise was a tremendous success," Snyder concluded. "Not just because of how well it went, but because of the opportunities it gave us to train together and identify areas to improve. Western New Yorkers can rest assured—we’re ready for whatever comes."

 

In light of the upcoming winter season, the City of Buffalo has released its 2023-2024 Winter Snow Plan, detailing strategies for snow removal, emergency response, and community support. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the plan to ensure personal and community safety during winter storms.

 

Additionally, the Erie County Department of Health’s Office of Health Equity conducted a survey revealing that while 74% of Buffalo residents stock up on food and water, only 49% have an emergency plan in place. This underscores the importance of individual preparedness alongside the efforts of the National Guard and local authorities.

 

As winter approaches, the combined efforts of the National Guard, local government, and residents are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Buffalo community during severe weather events.