Been There, Doing That in a Title 32 Status The National Guard Now Authorized to Perform Its 400-Year Old Domestic Mission in Title 32 Status

摘要

Following the attacks of September 11, the United States recognized it must prepare for the constant threat of large scale attacks on the homeland. Since that fateful day, Congress, recognizing the National Guard's historic and current domestic operational capabilities, has twice made significant amendments to Title 32. These amendments allow for the expanded, domestic operational use of the National Guard in that federally funded, state controlled Title 32 status. The addition of Chapter Nine to Title 32 in 2004 was a significant shift in the history of the funding of the National Guard to perform the domestic operational mission under state control; however, the chapter authorization requirements were somewhat cumbersome and seemingly went unused. In 2006, Congress simplified and broadened the authority mechanisms for the use of National Guard in a Title 32 status to perform the domestic operational mission under state control. Most importantly, these amendments have changed the way the nation and the states can use the National Guard in an operational Title 32 status. Consequently, Congress has provided even greater ability for the use of the National Guard to serve in its historical status as the first line of defense of America's homeland.