Involvement with a group is only an option for those that are dedicated and willing to participate in the training and deployments. As a member of both the NC-1 DMAT and the National Medical Response Team-WMD East, I can vouch that participation in regular training is essential if you hope to be useful during a deployment.<br>I can also tell you that participation in an emergency team does NOT provide for your family. I have been deployed on hurricane responses in North Carolina and my wife and kids have been "on their own" with me gone.<br>There is NO substitute for personal planning and preparation.<br>As a retired USAR/Army National Guard officer with 11 years enlisted guard experience, I disagree entirely with the comments made re: the guard. For the most part, I have found the units that I have been assigned to professional and the folks reasonably well trained. I deployed on two state emergencies due to hurricane related flooding and found the service we provided to be usefull and gratifying. <br>I have never been provided with less than suitable housing in the field, nor did I miss a meal or fail to get other essentials during any deployment (other than during wargames at the Joint Readiness Training Center) during my 25 year experience with the guard and reserve.