I don't argue with what you have been told; I just don't really understand how by having CERT it will get you through checkpoints any faster than a drivers license. The local police or sheriff might let you pass just because you are in an H1. I doubt the National Guard would buy the CERT as the reason to get into a restricted area. Passing through a checkpoint isn't generally a big issue. Have fun with the group, it's great to be involved with folks who are coming together to help people.
NORTHCOM is United States Northern Command. The DoD combatant command that is responsible for coordination with the lead federal agency (FEMA, DHS etc...).
www.northcom.mil and then look at the "about NORTHCOM" tab on the left side of the page.
I am not trying to discourage, only to let you understand that sometimes the folks on the "other side" of the checkpoints might have a different mission from the Land Ops folks. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is usually conducted to allow you to understand the hierarchy of the chain of command which can be confusing (knowing who is in charge etc...). I think the concept of the Land Ops is great to be able to get people together and look for someone lost in the desert. I guess having CERT would at least lend some "official" flavor of the organization rather than just a 4x4 club. Plus you got Surefire as a sponsor. That has to be nice for some free stuff!
Nice video, very impressive graphics.