The New York National Guard is now equipped with a state-of-the-art command center similar to those used by commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The $280,000 joint operations center (JOC) integrates computers, video displays and communications links to state and federal authorities.

It will allow commanders to make better and more rapid decisions when New York Guard forces are deployed in emergencies or on homeland security operations, state officials said.

"Our new JOC gives me the ability to quickly assess the situation and issue orders to our units, while staying in contact with the governor and the state emergency management office," said Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto, the New York adjutant general.

"It's the kind of command and control facility our soldiers and airmen use when they deploy, so they're able to apply the skills they learn in the combat zones to dealing with domestic operations," he added.

The JOC redesign is part of a $6.24 million addition to the New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters building in Latham, N.Y.

New York Guard officials said the new operations center is a significant upgrade over the cramped, old facility.

The center has 19 linked computer workstations. It also has five large video screens capable of displaying any of the computer monitors, maps, television feeds and video transmitted from Guard helicopters using newly purchased equipment.

New digital tools allow the JOC commander to make notations on those screens and disseminate the information to subordinate units around the state.

The upgraded facility is also linked with the New York Emergency Management Office and other state agencies. And secure communications are available to enable the New York Guard to talk with U.S. Northern Command and other federal military forces.

A backup generator is available to ensure the JOC can operate during a power shortage. There is also a backup server and an extra set of workstations to enable the creation of an alternate JOC anywhere in the state, if required.

-By Eric Dun

© 2008 National Guard Association of the United States Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.