About DMA | Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs

Working Together to Serve Wisconsin

The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) provides essential, effective, and responsive military and emergency management capability for the citizens of our state and nation. DMA includes Joint Force Headquarters-Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard, and the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management.

During emergencies, no single organization can handle the response. The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs consists of several organizations working together to plan, prepare, coordinate, and respond effectively when our communities and neighbors need us the most.

Wisconsin National Guard

The Wisconsin National Guard has two core missions — we are the primary combat reserve of the United States Army and Air Force, and we are the first military responders at home in times of emergency.

More than 10,000 Soldiers and Airmen make up the Wisconsin Army National Guard and Wisconsin Air National Guard.

Wisconsin National Guard Website

A team of Soldiers with the Wisconsin Army National Guard cut and chip debris, clearing roadways in Balsam Lake, Wis., Aug. 5. Approximately 100 Soldiers and Airmen from the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard continue to assist civil authorities with damage assessment and debris clearance in Polk and Barron Counties after being mobilized to state active duty to support recovery efforts following the severe weather that struck Northern Wisconsin July 19-20. (112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandria Hughes/Released)

A civilian contractor uses an excavator to load debris on to a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) from the 950th Engineer Company, 724th Engineer Battalion, 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during floor relief operations at Saxon Harbor, Iron County, Wis., Aug. 09. Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, Wisconsin's adjutant general, called more than 75 Wisconsin National Guard members to state active duty to assist townships in northwest Wisconsin affected by major flooding and damaging winds. Wisconsin National Guard photograph by Spc. Jared Saathoff/Released.

Wisconsin Emergency Management

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) coordinates with local, tribal, state and federal agencies, as well as the volunteer and private sectors, to plan for, prepare for, and respond to natural disasters or man-made emergencies.

Wisconsin Emergency Management Website

Office of Emergency Communications

Wisconsin Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) supports and promotes the ability of emergency responders and government officials to continuously communicate in the event of natural disasters, acts of terrorism or other man-made disasters.

Office of Emergency Communications Website

DMA Partners

These organizations work closely with the Department of Military Affairs to support our people and their efforts.

Joint Wellness and Resilience

SMSD facilitates the commander’s ability to provide comprehensive, collaborative, responsive services that support the readiness of service members, DoD civilians and families.

ReadyWisconsin

In February 2003 the US Department of Homeland Security launched the Ready campaign. It is a national public service advertising campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural and technological disasters and potential terrorist attacks. The goal of the national campaign is to get the public involved and ultimately to increase the level of basic preparedness across the nation. ReadyWisconsin is our state’s counterpart to the national campaign.

Starbase

STARBASE Wisconsin inspires Milwaukee’s future innovators through an engaging yet rigorous odyssey in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This interactive academic outreach program helps youth increase their knowledge in STEM.

Service Member Support Division

SMSD facilitates the commander’s ability to provide comprehensive, collaborative, responsive services that support the readiness of service members, DoD civilians and families.

Homeland Security Council

Wisconsin’s Homeland Security Adviser and 16 member council is responsible for advising the governor, coordinating state and local prevention and response efforts, and producing periodic reports on the state of homeland security in Wisconsin. The council works with local, state, federal, and tribal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private industry to improve citizen and community preparedness. The governor is responsible for appointing council members.

HSC Website

Regional Emergency All-Climate Training Center

The REACT Center specializes in providing the training required for a safe and successful response to natural and manmade disasters to both Military and Civilian responders.

Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy

The Wisconsin Challenge Academy is an alternative education program designed to reclaim the lives of at-risk youth and produce graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults.

ReadyWisconsin

Wisconsin Counterdrug Program

The Wisconsin National Guard, Counterdrug Program, assists law enforcement in disrupting the production, transportation, distribution and financing of illegal drugs.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

ESGR, a Department of Defense office, is comprised of dedicated and trained volunteers and staff. We will develop and promote employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and Service members.