LINE OF DEFENSE

Hagel Orders Rapid-Response Ebola Team

For domestic emergencies only.

It was announced on Sunday that the Pentagon will create a special team to respond to Ebola upon the orders of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. He ordered his Northern Command Commander, Gen. Chuck Jacoby, to prepare 20 critical care nurses, five doctors with expertise in infectious diseases, and five specialist trainers in infectious disease protocols. The rapid-response team was requested by the Department of Health and Human Services "as an added prudent measure to ensure our nation is ready to respond quickly, effectively, and safely in the event of additional Ebola cases," the Pentagon said in a statement. The group will train at Fort Sam Houston in Texas and then remain in “prepare to deploy” status for 30 days. The Pentagon made it clear that the rapid-response team will not be sent overseas and "will be called upon domestically only if deemed prudent by our public health professionals.” Federal officials are increasingly involved with combating Ebola. On Friday, President Obama announced Ron Klain will serve as an "Ebola czar" to oversee national efforts to fight the virus.