Elevating National Guard Bureau to a Combatant Command. Achieving Strategic Unity and Fiscal Efficiency in the Domestic AOR
Abstract
Fiscal constraints are forcing DOD to identify efficiencies that do not compromise mission effectiveness. In response, the National Guard must assume an even greater leadership role in domestic security to reduce the impact of force reductions on OOD's external security operations. The elevation of NGB to a domestic COCOM to replace USNORTHCOM would allow it to synchronize its existing subordinate Army and Air National Guard headquarters with the standing service components commands and joint task forces. Additionally, it could leverage its strong ties with the state adjutant generals to ensure synchronization of federal forces with other first responders within the homeland security enterprise. The mix of military and civilian responders to a crisis prohibits a true unity of command. A domestic focused COCOM must be capable of facilitating unity of effort and mission command is critical to achieving unity of effort. NGB is the DOD organization with the key mission command attributes described in the CJCS Mission Command White Paper. Additionally, with the DOD budget expected to remain at roughly the 2013 level for the next five years, the elimination of the USNORTHCOM four-star headquarters and the reassignment of its essential functions to USSOUTHCOM and NGB would result in significant fiscal efficiencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 08, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA601762
Entities
People
- Robert W. Ford Jr.
Organizations
- Marine Corps University