Framework for Domestic Engagement
Abstract
In 1934 Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger outlined four criteria for a strategic framework that would "weigh the use of United States combat forces abroad." Although Weinberger's framework was designed for international commitment of military power, the scenario this paper reviews is the involvement of military forces in response to a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) on American soil. This paper reviews the applicability of the Weinberger criteria to provide a framework for evaluating the commitment of United States military forces in a domestic engagement. 1. Is the incident a national security issue? This paper provides a cursory analysis of the risk of a domestic WMD incident, and the threat that this event would pose to national security. 2. Do American citizens support the use of military forces in response to the incident? Present laws, statutes, and presidential directives provide a basis for military support to civilian law enforcement agencies in certain circumstances, but these special circumstances require careful consideration to ensure they meet the intent of the law and do not violate the Posse Comitatus Act of 1873. 3. Does the United States military have the right force for the lob? In response to a WMD, wielded against an American community, the United States armed forces may be the only entity capable of providing massive and immediate consequence management support. 4. Does the military have a clear exit strategy? With this criterion we define the end-state for military involvement and examine current disengagement strategies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA380142
Entities
People
- Charles Hash
- Dallas Owens
- Joel Cusker
- Mary Landry
Organizations
- United States Army War College