Space Power and Homeland Security: Is NORTHCOM Leveraging Every Tool in the Arsenal
Abstract
As a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. government established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM). Working in partnership, they are tasked to defend against terrorism and respond to civil emergencies and natural disasters. Space forces can fill critical capability gaps and provide key mission enhancements in NORTHCOM's Homeland Defense (HD) and Civil Support (CS) missions. However, integrating space assets into operations is a powerful capability that has not been fully leveraged, primarily due to NORTHCOM/DHS's lack of understanding of space capabilities and how to exploit them. A striking parallel exists between the current lack of space integration within DHS/NORTHCOM and the lack of space integration within supported combatant commands in DoD prior to Desert Storm. Desert Storm was a turning point that demonstrated the need for deliberate integration of space forces into operational planning. Similarly, the events of 9/11 and the heightened priority of HD/CS missions underscore the need for space integration within DHS/NORTHCOM. Using DoD's post-Desert Storm corrective space integration efforts as a model, NORTHCOM should initiate a deliberate space integration program to maximize effectiveness in executing HD/CS missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 18, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA425996
Entities
People
- Clinton E. Crosier
Organizations
- Naval War College