Joint Task Force Civil Support Should Broaden Its Mission Scope to Better Provide Defense Support to Civil Authorities
Abstract
Joint Task Force Civil Support (JTF-CS) has a focused mission, to provide chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) consequence management (CM) operations, a mission it has never conducted. The potential consequences of the use of a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) or CBRNE event within the borders of the United States present a particular problem that requires specialized response capabilities. But a special focus on WMD/CBRNE CM precludes JTF-CS from providing the more necessary mission of "generic" CM, especially at the operational level, which is to provide the bridge between the local/tactical response and national/strategic objectives. Outlining how CBRNE CM fits within the broader scope of civil support, and providing the right force and command structure shows how JTF-CS can better meet DOD's mission to provide support to homeland security. The unique structure of JTF-CS can alleviate some of the complicated legal restrictions and policy constraints for DOD forces to provide civil support. Finally, a broadened mission would mean more opportunity for interagency interaction at the local, state, regional, and national level through exercises and joint training, which would enhance response actions should a disaster occur that exceeded a state's capabilities, regardless of the incident being natural or manmade.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA546098
Entities
People
- Justin T. Meissner
Organizations
- Naval War College