Seven New Mexico National Guard task forces are positioned at strategic locations across the state, providing transportation and other support to civilian emergency managers and specialized rescue teams.
Source: New Mexico National Guard (via Facebook)
By Hank Minitrez, New Mexico National Guard Public Affairs Director
Cover Photo: Courtesy Mora County Sheriff’s Office
Caption: “We’re glad to be part of the team – always ready to help our fellow state, county and city agencies when disaster strikes the Land of Enchantment!”
SANTA FE, N.M., Sept. 28, 2026 — The New Mexico National Guard remains prepositioned across the state, deploying high-water-capable military vehicles and personnel to support local emergency management agencies and swiftwater rescue teams as another round of heavy rainfall brings the potential for flooding throughout New Mexico.
Seven New Mexico National Guard task forces are positioned at strategic locations across the state, providing transportation and other support to civilian emergency managers and specialized rescue teams.
The Guard has positioned Light Medium Tactical Vehicles, or LMTVs, throughout New Mexico.
LMTVs can traverse water up to approximately three feet deep under appropriate operating conditions, providing an important capability in areas where flooding may make roads inaccessible to conventional vehicles.
“Given the potential for another round of heavy rainfall across New Mexico, we have positioned our swiftwater rescue teams and high-water-capable vehicles in key locations throughout the state so we can respond quickly when and where we are needed,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, adjutant general of New Mexico. “Our Soldiers and Airmen are trained, equipped and ready to support our state and local partners and, most importantly, help protect the lives and safety of our fellow New Mexicans.”
The Guard’s statewide response includes Community Emergency Response Teams, or CERT teams, some of whose members are certified in swiftwater rescue, as well as personnel providing transportation and logistical support to emergency response organizations.
Current task force locations, equipment and supported agencies include:
- Task Force North (Mora): Supporting Mora County Emergency Management with two LMTVs.
- Task Force Santa Fe: Supporting the Oklahoma Swift Water Rescue Team with two LMTVs.
- Task Force Pecos: Supporting the Oklahoma Swift Water Rescue Team with one LMTV. The Oklahoma team is operating in New Mexico through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, or EMAC.
- Task Force Clovis: Supporting the City of Santa Fe Swift Water Rescue Team operating in Clovis with one LMTV.
- Task Force Socorro: Supporting the Sandoval County Swift Water Rescue Team with one LMTV.
- Task Force South (Ruidoso): Supporting the Village of Ruidoso with two LMTVs, one High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or HMMWV, and one Medium Tactical Vehicle, or MTV.
- Task Force Las Cruces: Supporting Doña Ana County with two LMTVs.
Central to the statewide effort is the New Mexico National Guard Joint Operations Center, which is coordinating Guard personnel, vehicles and other resources supporting the response.
The JOC maintains situational awareness of Guard operations across New Mexico and coordinates with the State Emergency Operations Center and other state and local partners.
This centralized coordination allows the Guard to track resources and reposition personnel and equipment as weather conditions and requests for assistance change.
The New Mexico National Guard remains prepared to support civil authorities with high-water transportation, evacuation assistance, health and welfare checks and other emergency response missions as requested.
Residents are encouraged to monitor changing weather conditions, follow guidance from local emergency management officials and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
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