The National Guard Meeting Its Obligation to Provide Capable Forces for Homeland Security
Abstract
How can competing National Guard missions (federal and state) and structure requirements (warfighting versus domestic support/homeland security) be harmonized to best posture the Guard to meet both its state obligations and at the same time continue to play a pivotal role in joint warfighting and stability operations? The increased reliance on the National Guard as a combat force, regional peacekeeping force, and a homeland defense/security force has stressed the Guard beyond programmed requirements. As a result of the conflicting mission TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) required to execute the warfighting verses domestic support/homeland security missions, the National Guard's training time and funding resources are inadequate under the current OPTEMPO in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Should the National Guard be organized and trained for urban security missions such as Counter Insurgency Operations (COIN), policing, law enforcement, and civil population control, and thus become a lighter (infantry, military police, transportation, etc.) force. A lighter force that is rapidly deployable, highly mobile, and versatile benefits from reduced equipment and maintenance funding requirements. National Guard structure must be changed from a "Strength/Legacy Based" structure to a "Capabilities Based" structure to maintain relevancy over the next two decades.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 13, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA449000
Entities
People
- Thomas J. Sellars
Organizations
- United States Army War College