Terrorism and the Military's Role in Domestic Crisis Management: Background and Issues for Congress

Abstract

The United States faces a number of significant national security threats from terrorists. The debate over the seriousness of the various threats intensified recently, even before the events of September 11, 2001. Various studies and commissions recommended far reaching changes in the U.S. approach to domestic preparedness and response to threats to the homeland, many now being implemented. Many experts believe the probable long-term effects of a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) attack by terrorists on the population, environment, and the economy make it imperative that the United States be fully prepared to either deter or interdict an attempted terrorist attack. This paper reviews the current legislation and policies that govern the military's role when supporting law enforcement in a domestic terrorism crisis and highlights some of the issues confronting the U.S. Government. To fully understand the military's role in domestic crisis response it is necessary to explore existing national-level structures and response options prior to the involvement of military forces. Crisis management is predominately a law enforcement function that manages the resources necessary to prevent or resolve a terrorist incident, including one involving WMD. Current U.S. Government terrorism response policy is contained in presidential directives. Among other matters, these directives address National Security Council structure and federal agency crisis response roles when responding to a domestic terrorism incident. Many federal agencies are available to assist the FBI in dealing with a terrorist threat or terrorist incident. In a domestic crisis, DoD may be called upon to assist in several different ways ranging from interdiction of the terrorists to the loaning of specialized equipment for use by law enforcement agencies. DoD has published specific policy for assistance to civil law enforcement officials in emergencies involving terrorism and WMD.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 27, 2003
Accession Number
ADA481183

Entities

People

  • Jeffrey D. Brake

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Civil Rights
  • Congress
  • Crisis Management
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Department Of State
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Law
  • Military Personnel
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Public Administration
  • Terrorism
  • United States Government
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.