VIDEO
The National Guard is preparing to conduct search and rescue, command and control and evacuation missions in any areas hit by Hurricane Irene.

With about 101,000 National Guard members ready to assist eastern seaboard states in the path of Hurricane Irene, the National Guard Command Center in Arlington, Va., seen here Aug. 26, 2011, is monitoring the storm and National Guard support to civilian authorities around-the-clock. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill)