Dod Operations in the Homeland

DOD Operations in the Homeland: Context and Issues for the Commander

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Note to readers: This is a companion piece to the joint doctrine listed below. Much of the detail covered in the joint doctrine is not repeated here. Instead, this paper provides background and a framework for a critical discussion of the role of DOD military forces within the American homeland. To get the most out of this paper and to be best prepared for discussion in seminar, you should also read the doctrine sections cited below, and scan the remainder of both pubs.

JP 3-27 Homeland Defense, 12 July 2007. Executive Summary and Chapter I

JP 3-28, Civil Support, 14 Sep 2007. Executive Summary and Chapters I, II, and III

Introduction

This paper examines the issues surrounding the employment of military forces within U.S. territory. The intent is to provide support for a robust and productive discussion of the topic in seminar. This is worthwhile because DOD military operations in the U.S. homeland are different than operations overseas. The operating environment is different, many of the rules are different, and a whole host of legal, political, and practical factors come into play that don’t apply in the same way elsewhere. The U.S. joint force is primarily organized, trained and equipped for warfighting and other military operations on foreign soil. While many of the specific military tasks will be the same, commanders operating in the homeland will have to deal with unfamiliar C2 arrangements, accommodate significant legal and other limitations, and most importantly assess different risks than they would on foreign territory. It is therefore important that planners and commanders be familiar with the unique aspects of the domestic operating environment. It is also important that future leaders be aware of the politically and otherwise sensitive issues, even though they may well be above the military commander’s pay grade.

As this is being...