An Analysis of Current United States Homeland Defense Policies.
Abstract
For the first time in many years the United States must re-consider its homeland defense policies. Gone are the days when deterrence was the only policy required. The emergence of the United States as the sole remaining world superpower has forced it to become more involved in international affairs. This involvement results in the alienation of other nations and non-state actors who are unable to directly challenge the United States and its policies. Technological advances coupled with rapid globalization provide these potential enemies a myriad of capabilities to either directly attack the United States homeland or to use the threat of attack to shape its policies. Among the capabilities potential enemies may use are terrorism, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, WMD, and cyber attacks. These capabilities are inexpensive, readily available; difficult to detect prior to an attack, and nearly impossible to assign responsibility for the attack once they are employed. The United States currently has or is in the process of developing numerous policies and programs in an effort to counter these threats. But to date the result has been the creation of a myriad of laws, policies and programs that fail; to assign an overall lead agency; are fragmented; that fail to address all the potential threats. Critical to this development of a homeland defense policy for the United States is the determination of what roll the armed forces should play. Some officials want the armed forces to create a command charged with overall responsibility for homeland defense. But this idea dismays many senior military leaders who want to focus on war fighting and many civilians who are concerned that giving the mission to the armed forces might undermine the concept of civilian rule. The end result is that currently the United States has no overarching policy to ensure the protection of its homeland and its citizens.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378214
Entities
People
- Kelly L. Mayes
Organizations
- United States Army War College