[blam]

"Uhm, this is actually already in the works via the National Guard and USAR providing regional disaster response forces and operating under the authority of 5th U.S. Army and NORTHCOM during domestic emergencies. In addition the National Guard has already manned and organized WMD disaster response teams. That initiative began in the late 90s."

I wonder why it's in the news today? If this is SOP, why is there even a story?

[TADSLOS]

Here's the report in full. I haven't read it in depth, but it appears from a quick scan to be covering ground that has already been plowed to some extent, using Katrina as the baseline example. I think the RAND analysts in this case may just be catching up to the unfolding realities of actions already being implemented by NORTHCOM and the Reserve Component (Guard and Reserve).

Personally, I consider the key factor with reacting to Katrina a matter of "who is the governor of Mississippi vs who is the governor of Louisiana". Haley Barbour made it happen. Blanco let it happen. Big difference in approach based on conservative leadership in the face of disaster vs. liberal expectations of entitlement after failing miserably to prepare and act. Two very different, yet predictable outcomes emerged.

Hurrican Katrina- Lessons for Army Planning and Operations