The Emerging Dual Federal Role for the Army National Guard: Warfighting and Homeland Defense
Abstract
This paper examines different aspects of the emerging Homeland Defense mission, specially the role of the Army National Guard (ARNG). First it provides an historical perspective on the ARNG's warfighting and homeland defense organization, roles, and missions. It argues that the emerging mission can be executed without having to convert a significant number of ARNG units to a sole homeland defense role. The missions performed by the Army National Guard in the past are similar to projected future missions. Such is important to the argument that the ARNG is capable of performing both warfighting and homeland defense missions. This study describes the complexity of the emerging missions that would be associated with homeland defense. Finally, it argues that traditional warfighting roles should not be discarded. The study offers a solution for future planners. It concludes that the debate over the role of the ARNG in homeland defense would continue for some time to come. Hence, this study purports to contribute positively to on-going deliberations on the roles and missions of the ARNG.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA404486
Entities
People
- Alberto J. Jimenez
Organizations
- United States Army War College