The Evolving Role of the Army National Guard in Homeland Defense and Civil Support
Abstract
The tragic events of September 11, 2001 have refocused the United States on the daunting challenge of securing and defending the homeland. The newly created Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the lead federal agent in this endeavor. Moreover, DHS has developed a National Strategy for Homeland Security (NSHS) that integrates the Armed Forces as the critical military instrument of the overall strategy. To further unify the military effort U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) has been created as a North American combatant command charged with the dual missions of homeland defense and civil support. The Army National Guard as a part of the overall Armed Forces will play a necessary role in homeland defense and civil support. The more pressing questions for the Army National Guard are how much of a role should it play, and how should it, as part of the Army's full-spectrum force meet this new challenge while continuing to fulfill the ever expanding array of missions. This research will build on recent assessments of the Army National Guard's operational role in support of NORTHCOMs missions. It will propose an expanded role in support of homeland defense and civil support, while further realigning a balanced coverage of other critical State and Federal missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 18, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA426000
Entities
People
- Joseph E. Rooney
Organizations
- Naval War College