Disasters Without Borders: Designing a Military Command and Control Construct for Catastrophic Multistate Events
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the current command and control paradigms used to integrate federal and state military forces, from multiple states, during a catastrophic event within the United States. The paper employs the problem/solution methodology in order to evaluate policies, organizational structures, and the application of operational art in designing the optimal command and control (C2) construct for multistate events. Among the key findings are the need for an operational framework for multistate responses, a requirement for an operational level commander, the necessity for the National Guard to participate in C2 outside state borders, and the need for a dual status commander with a vested authority to command military forces from a coalition of affected states. Key recommendations include a call for the Council of Governors to lead efforts to develop strategic multistate C2 guidance and for National Guard Bureau to implement this guidance into plans, exercises, and Department of Defense guidance. A new domestic command and control paradigm is needed to improve flexibility and agility of limited capabilities, increase unity of effort, build situational awareness, and preserve the U.S. federalist system of government while supporting civil authorities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 27, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1054651
Entities
People
- William Jr J Cox
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College