Role of Military Forces in the New York State Response to COVID-19

Military forces in the State of New York, comprising the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Naval Militia, and State Guard, with contributions from the Army Corps of Engineers, have made major contributions to the state response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Operation COVID-19 began on March 10, 2020, and will continue uninterrupted at least through June 2022, making it the longest and largest domestic mobilization in state history. More than 7000 service members served across 200 COVID-19 mission sites, administering more than 4 million vaccines, producing more than 35 million testing kits, delivering more than 54 million meals, and administering more than 1.5 million tests.

Because of the role of states in delivering relief, testing, care, vaccination, and other community support during the COVID-19 pandemic, this article illuminates the role of New York military forces in responding to COVID-19. The aim is to provide details for the public health community, as well as to share lessons for the continued mission and future pandemic responses.