Guard assembles unit for domestic terrorism

The Idaho National Guard, in the midst of its largest active-duty call-up since the Vietnam War, also has assembled a 50-person team to handle domestic terrorism attacks or other emergencies, Guard officials announced Tuesday.

The Quick Reaction Force is comprised of 50 Air and Army National Guard soldiers, primarily from the Boise area, with diverse backgrounds and skills and is headquartered at Gowen Field in Boise, Lt. Col. Tim Marsano, Guard spokesman, said Tuesday.

The force becomes operational Friday.

The National Guard in every state has been asked to assemble small teams geared for rapid deployment to assist other agencies in handling domestic terrorism attacks or threats, Guard officials said.

Idaho’s unit, Marsano said, can assist law enforcement or other agencies with site security, infrastructure protection, roadblocks or checkpoints.

The unit also will tackle the traditional Guard function of responding to floods or other emergencies.

“In the past when we responded to floods or snow events in North Idaho we had to put together teams from scratch,” Marsano said. “This team already exists, so it can be called out on a moment’s notice.”