Safeguarding Lives—JLBC Cadet Corps and Covenant of Courage Lead the Charge in Animal Disaster Planning and Mitigation
- Kirk Carlson
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
When disaster strikes, it’s not only humans who suffer—animals, both domestic and agricultural, are often the forgotten victims of emergencies. Whether it’s a wildfire, flood, or hazardous material spill, animals are vulnerable and depend on human planning and preparedness to survive. That’s why JLBC Cadet Corps and Covenant of Courage have joined forces with local communities to lead comprehensive Animal Disaster Planning and Mitigation Strategies—empowering youth, veterans, and residents to protect every life, two-legged or four.
A United Mission: Training the Next Generation to Protect All Creatures
The JLBC Cadet Corps, a youth leadership and emergency preparedness program, provides hands-on training to middle and high school students in disaster readiness, rescue operations, and animal care. These young cadets are trained by veterans through Covenant of Courage, a nonprofit founded by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Kirk Carlson, which focuses on mobilizing veteran expertise to serve vulnerable communities and build civic responsibility.
Together, they instill values of service, compassion, and readiness—and prepare cadets to take real action in times of crisis.
Real-World Skills That Save Lives
Through FEMA-aligned training modules and community partnerships, cadets and volunteers learn to:
✅ Assess farm and household risks related to floods, fires, or power outages.✅ Create evacuation plans that include pets, livestock, and exotic animals.✅ Identify safe zones and high-ground pasture areas for large animals during floods.✅ Coordinate with veterinarians and emergency responders to track and shelter animals.✅ Build and distribute emergency kits with supplies for both humans and animals.✅ Disseminate public education materials to teach residents how to tag, photograph, or microchip their animals in advance of disaster.
Mitigation in Action: Community-Wide Engagement
Working alongside local CERT teams, animal control agencies, and tribal/state authorities, Covenant of Courage coordinates:
Barn fire prevention workshops
Flood-proof farm access planning
Stray animal recovery training for cadets
Hazardous materials safety briefings involving animals
Volunteer recruitment to assist animal shelters and pet reunification centers post-disaster
They also teach mitigation strategies like neutralizing chemical storage areas, identifying vulnerable animal populations, and constructing flood-resistant manure pits to prevent waterway contamination.
Empowering Through Service
“Too often, animal welfare is overlooked in emergency planning,” says Kirk Carlson, founder of Covenant of Courage. “By training youth and veterans together, we are not just preparing for emergencies—we are building a resilient, compassionate community that protects every member of the household, from service dogs to livestock.”
Cadets graduate with FEMA certificates, a strong sense of civic duty, and practical experience in disaster relief—making them valuable assets to their neighborhoods and future careers in emergency response or veterinary services.
Join the Movement
JLBC Cadet Corps and Covenant of Courage are actively recruiting:
Youth ages 12–18
Volunteer veterinarians
Emergency responders
Animal lovers
Farm owners
Local government partners
Whether you’re a city councilmember, a horse owner, or a student looking to serve, your contribution could make all the difference during the next disaster.
🛡️ Learn more and get involved:🌐 www.juniorleadership.net🌐 www.covenantofcourage.com📧 Contact: support@reasonableranks.org🖊️ Sign the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR
Every life counts. Be the reason a family reunites with their pet. Be the reason a herd is safe from rising waters. Be the reason your community is prepared.
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