Gov. Greg Abbott has requested that U.S. Secretary of Defense General James Mattis order that a single commander oversee both federal troops and the Texas National Guard in their response to the statewide devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.
The Texas National Guard Dual Status Command would offer military and first responders "the most efficient method of execution when responding to the urgent needs of Texans," Abbott said. "The Dual Status Command will ensure that the Texas National Guard is overseeing all response efforts in a way that most closely coordinates with federal troops and military efforts to ensure the needs of the victims of Hurricane Harvey are being met as swiftly and effectively as possible," he said.
During the operation, the National Guard remains a state entity under the exclusive command and control of the governor, while the president remains the commander-in-chief of federal troops.