Smell the Coffee: Military Support to Civilian Authorities and Homeland Defense Here and Now.
Abstract
The greatest threat to the national security today is the employment of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) on United States soil by a Non-State actor. Despite recent efforts to address and counter this threat, the U.S. remains ill prepared to prevent or respond to such an incident. This paper examines the current state of Military Support to Civilian Authorities (MSCA) and focuses this support' within the context of Homeland Defense. After a brief review of the threat to U.S. security and the current policies and procedures of MSCA in consequence and crisis management, the paper uses real world case studies and exercises to illustrate our inability to deter and respond to a domestic crisis. It recommends a complete restructuring of the command and control systems for MSCA. It suggests giving this mission to a joint headquarters, Title X commander, Commander in Chief, Atlantic Command. Finally, the paper calls for immediate action to fully integrate the efforts of the National Guard into their "first responder" mission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA364099
Entities
People
- Michael Colpo
Organizations
- United States Army War College