The National Guard is an active member of the community. It shares the same youth education and substance abuse prevention concerns, goals and objectives as the rest of the community members. This has resulted in a natural collaboration between the New York National Guard Counterdrug Program and various substance abuse prevention community coalitions. The National Guard provides trained individuals who are proficient in planning, organization and logistics. Trained facilitators are often key in the initial, development stages of a coalition.
National guardsmen serve as public speakers and perform extensive volunteer work.
They also National Guardsmen function as role models and mentors for the community's youth. Additional support can be provided to coalitions through the Counterdrug Program. National Guard facilities, armories and Air National Guard bases located in communities throughout the state, can be used as meeting sites and provide tours. Access to national speakers on various topics important to coalitions can be gained through the distant learning facilities on all Air National Guard bases. Assets such as transportation and communication equipment can be provided to support coalition events.