Protecting America's Maritime Domain -- An Interagency Command and Control Structure to Achieve Unity of Effort
Abstract
Protection of the nation's maritime domain is vital to the U.S. economy. The vast area and free flowing nature of ships, their cargo, and international crews make this a unique challenge for the myriad of government agencies assigned to protect America's maritime domain. Following the attacks of 9/11, government reorganization and implementation of newly created government regulations have reduced the vulnerability of the U.S. maritime domain to terrorist attacks. However, a "seam" of ambiguity exists within the maritime domain that terrorists may seek to exploit. The existing relationship between the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense and the ambiguity associated with the terms "homeland security" and "homeland defense" has created this "seam" as well as an environment that violates the principle of unity of effort. To achieve unity of effort within the maritime domain, a national Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) should be created. A national JIATF would ensure one commander and one unified effort to fight the global war on terrorism within the nation's maritime domain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA465239
Entities
People
- Jeffery W. Thomas
Organizations
- Naval War College