Airpower's Role in Homeland Defense: A Western Hemisphere Perspective
Abstract
This study analyzes airpower command and control issues for United States homeland defense at the level of international relations. The author assesses hemispheric historical cases such as antisubmarine warfare during World War II, the development of NORAD during the Cold War, and counterdrug operations during the last two decades. Sovereignty, cooperation, and capability issues remain at the forefront of combined, joint, and interagency homeland defense operations as they relate to airpower. As the new homeland defense command takes shape, it needs to increase and improve bi-lateral relations with Canada, Mexico, and other Latin American countries such as Colombia; appreciate the counterdrug/counterterrorism nexus and combat it with a small wars mindset; revise the Posse Comitaus statute; increase and dedicate Reserve Forces to homeland defense by relieving Active Duty and Guard personnel on deployment schedules; and envision the possibility of an Americas Command.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA420490
Entities
People
- Roger J. Witek
Organizations
- Air University