5th REGIONAL COMMAND
UNITED STATES VOLUNTEERS JOINT SERVICES COMMAND
Mission
The 5th Regional Command is tasked with coordinating and directing operations within the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin (FEMA Region 5). and among the subordinate Brigade Coordination Teams (BCTs) under its charge. Thereby creating a uniformed standard for the missions of the U.S. Volunteers - Joint Services Command.
Whether the mission is rendering final honors during a Military Funeral, or operating under a civilian command during natural disasters, the 5th RC seeks to ensure that all Volunteers within its Area of Operations have the highest standards in training.
History
The 5th Regional Command was formally established on 18 APR 2026, as a means to better organize and manage the U.S. Volunteer units that were being established across the Midwest.
As part of the larger USV-JSC organization, it shares in the proud heritage of the U.S. Volunteers, which served our nation faithfully throughout its 250 year history. Including the famous "Rough Riders" of COL Theodore Roosevelt and Leonard Wood, M.D.
Today, the U.S. Volunteers continues that "American tradition," but "with a modern mission."
The current Commander, LTC Dean Argiris, previously served as the Commanding Officer of the 51st Brigade Coordination Team. It was the 51st BCT that laid the groundwork for the Regional Command by activating units in 50% of the command's geographic footprint.
5th RC serves as the intermediary Chain of Command between the USV-JSC Headquarters and the BCTs, Task Forces, and Detachments under it. With a focus on building partnerships, the 5th RC has been critical in fostering constructive alliances with various Emergency Management Agencies and National Guard units within its region; adding to the total force available to render assistance to the overall population when needed.
While still young, the 5th RC has ambitious plans to project the USV-JSC's presence within the Midwest.
Operations and Missions
The Volunteers within the 5th Regional Command have conducted several Military Funeral Honors, performed Color Guard duties and public functions, and have the following natural disaster deployments under thier belts:
1.) Sullivan, Indiana EF3 Tornado of MAR 2023 (Points of Distribution and Damage Assessment)
2.) Ft. Campbell, KY EF3 Tornado of DEC 2023 (Debris Clearing, Points of Distribution, Damage Assessment).
3.) Hurricane Helene (Points of Distribution, Damage Assessment)
4.) Washington State Floods of DEC 25 / JAN 26
Community relations operations also form a vital part of maintaining the 5th RC's positive relationship with the communities they serve. Regular community events inclue:
1.) Sand Dune Restoration - Montrose Beach in Chicago
2.) Special Olympics State Games
3.) Leon's Heroes Triathlon and Obstacle Course.
4.) Feed Our Starving Children
HEADQUARTERS
Chicago, IL
SUBORDINATE UNITS
DET 1 (IN)
51st BCT
DET 2 (OH)