Asked if he has any timeline on when they might be needed, Wilkie said, "we haven't come to that point yet." But he said the agency is gaming out where they might be most needed.

For example, "city X has this happen, what is the request from the governor, and how do you respond to that governor's request that comes through," Wilkie said.

One of the main purposes of the National Disaster Medical System, as it is known, is "to assist state and local authorities in responding to medical and public health effects of major disasters and emergencies," according to the VA.

This crisis poses numerous challenges, including the fact that some of the VA's emergency medical personnel are likely already treating patients with the virus — and the number of cases in veterans hospitals are expected to grow.

That is a double-edged sword because it means some already have experience with the outbreak but they also might be needed where they are.

"They've been responding to natural disasters, so that's their forte," Wilkie said. "But they're also working in hospitals now where they're dealing with this virus."

The emergency cadre includes "doctors, nurses, psychologists, engineers, nutritionists, police," Wilkie said. "In addition to that, we are able to provide a mobile hospital. We're able to provide command posts. We're able to provide nutrition centers, medical vans, mobile pharmacies to support those needs."