What DoD Homeland Security Roles Should the National Guard Fulfill during This Time of Persistent Conflict

摘要

Initially, this research addresses the Department of Defense's doctrine that separates the Homeland Security mission into two distinct but interrelated mission areas, Homeland Defense and Defense Support for Civil Authorities. Subsequently, it reviews the creation of US Northern Command, and its responsibilities toward Homeland Security. Afterward, the focus of the research turns to the National Guard (NG). An in-depth review of the legal implications of utilizing the NG for Homeland Security is conducted, with a particular focus on the Posse Comitatus Act. Next, the NG's capabilities are analyzed to determine what capabilities that it possesses which could be used for Homeland Security missions. The capabilities analysis addresses the NG's doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, and facilities. Subsequently, the affects of the NG's repeated deployment during this period of persistent conflict are studied. The research concludes while utilizing the Hurricane Katrina case study to analyze the NG's response during that disaster. The case study analyzes the previously addressed criteria: legal implications, capabilities, and impacts resulting from the NG's repeated deployments.