Maryland Defense Force Conducts Annual Muster
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Brigadier General (MD) Smalkin addresses his troops.
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Article by 1LT (MD) Michael Nolan
On 8 April 2006, under rainy skies, the
Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) assembled for its annual muster at the
Pikesville Military Reservation (PMR) to conduct targeted training
sessions, along with an awards and decorations ceremony. As in past
years, the Defense Force muster was a tremendous success, as it enhanced
the MDDF's knowledge and level of readiness as it fulfills its mission
"to provide competent supplemental professional and technical support to
the Maryland Military Department as required."
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BG Charles A. Morgan III (foreground) and BG Frederick
Smalkin (background) present awards to MDDF personnel.
BG Benjamin F. Lucas II (right).
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MDDF personnel donated their time and efforts toward
ensuring the Defense Force's preparedness to serve as a force multiplier
for the Maryland Military Department. Professionals from multiple
disciplines were present from the MDDF 10th Medical Regiment; MDDF
Chaplains; Finance, Legal Services, and Engineering Directorates; the
MDDF Mounted Troop; MDDF military support units throughout the state;
and MDDF Headquarters staff.
Members of the Maryland emergency preparedness community
facilitated basic National Incident Management System (NIMS) training in
the morning, equipping participants with critical skills and knowledge
to help MDDF units rapidly integrate with emergency response authorities
during times of need. The early afternoon was used for unit specific
training and meetings for medical, individual directorate, and
headquarters staff.
MDDF Commander Brigadier General Frederick Smalkin welcomed Assistant
Adjutant General for Air Brigadier General Charles A.
Morgan III, and State Command Chief Master Sergeant John D. Conaway of
the Maryland Air National Guard to participate in an afternoon formation
and award and decoration ceremony.
As Brigadier General Smalkin stated in his follow-up message to MDDF
personnel "Every hour spent at the Muster and in continuing education"
whatever your MDDF assignment -- better prepares you, and through you,
the whole Force -- to mesh seamlessly with the rest of the Military
Department and with the entire Emergency Services Community." The MDDF
continues to fulfill its mission, as defined by its motto
"Officio Vocante Parati" Ready When Called.
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