How Long Would It Take for the National Guard to Respond to a Zombie Threat?

The response time of the National Guard to a hypothetical zombie threat would depend on several factors, including the nature and scale of the threat, the location, and the readiness of local and state authorities.

Assessment of Threat

Initial assessments would determine the severity and immediacy of the threat. If it were perceived as a serious emergency, the response would be faster.

Activation Process

The National Guard is typically activated by state governors. The time it takes for a governor to declare a state of emergency and call in the National Guard can vary but generally ranges from hours to a couple of days.

Deployment and Coordination

Once activated, the National Guard can mobilize relatively quickly, often within a few hours, depending on the situation and their current locations. Coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services could affect response times.

For a true illustration of such a scenario, one can look back at real-world events, such as the 1992 Los Angeles riots. In this case, it wasn't until the third day that the National Guard hit the streets. The 160th Mechanized Infantry Brigade faced significant delays. One battalion was called up but never went to LA, while the brigade took two days to get its gear and move to the area. The third battalion was even more delayed, unable to reach their gear until the National Guard arrived.

This illustrates the challenges of rapid mobilization. Similar to the scenario described in the Los Angeles riots, you will receive the same orders: "The Mayor orders are: ‘DON’T SHOOT THE VOTERS'". These orders underscore the need for clear communication and the careful handling of a volatile situation.

As an example, imagine a zombie outbreak in San Francisco. Emergency responders, equipped with advanced gear meant for other scenarios, would need time to prepare and coordinate. The initial response time could vary from a few hours to a few days, depending on the readiness and organization of the local authorities and the National Guard.

Remember, the speed and effectiveness of a response depend greatly on the preparedness and the collaboration between different levels of government and the National Guard. In a hypothetical zombie outbreak, the National Guard could potentially respond within a few hours to a couple of days, assuming optimal conditions and a rapid response protocol.