Military Moves Toward Creating Chief For Homeland Defense

InsideDefense.com | October 25, 2001 | Chris Strohm

[Stand Watch Listen]

An evaluation of the U.S. military command structure in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks is focused on establishing a new commander-in-chief for homeland defense, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Congress today.

Marine Corps. Gen. Peter Pace, confirmed as the vice chairman only one month ago, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that recommendations for the creation of a new CINC for homeland defense should be complete by the end of October.

The recommendations are being made by current CINCs and individual service secretaries to Air Force Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

"At this time, the individual service chiefs and the commanders are proposing changes to the unified command plan," said Pace, who is a former CINC of U.S. Southern Command. After all recommendations are received, Myers will make a final recommendation on creating a new CINC to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Pace added.

"The chairman will quickly synthesize all those and go forward to the secretary with his recommendations for changes," he said. "One of the key elements in there is the requirement for a CINC specifically designated for homeland defense."

The possibility of a new military chief for homeland defense is part of an overall evaluation of the Defense Department's unified command plan in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

"Currently, a number of combatant commanders are assigned different roles within our homeland defense mission," Pace stated in prepared testimony. "Consequently, we are looking at ways of eliminating any seams that may exist between the various organizations and agencies involved in the Homeland Security efforts. We will be reviewing the UCP with an eye toward developing a seamless command and control of all DOD assets . . . active, reserve, guard, and civilians . . . required to execute our Homeland Security responsibilities."

-- Chris Strohm

[byTheirCreator]

"Currently, a number of combatant commanders are assigned different roles within our homeland defense mission," Pace stated in prepared testimony. "Consequently, we are looking at ways of eliminating any seams that may exist between the various organizations and agencies involved in the Homeland Security efforts.

WHAT is he talking about?
I'm smelling a rat.

[Hoosier]

Can anyone be surprised at this? Everyone! Right arms at 30 degrees, hands outstretched, palms down, repeat after me; Hail to the Republic!

[MountainPete]

As the Constitution sinks slowly into the west . . .

[basil]

Well, we had men wearing armbands patrolling our neighborhoods when I was a child. This was during WW II, and I was only a wee tyke, but I don't remember anyone being afraid of what they were up to.

[tracer]

Relevant url : http://www2.sbccom.army.mil/hld/

[DLfromthedesert]

That was BEFORE Waco and Ruby Ridge. That was BEFORE the government had so much technology to keep tabs on us. I voted for Republicans to get LESS government. This is BULL$HIT!!!

[Paleo-Con]

What is the F%$@&*% Department of Defense supposed to be doing anyway???

We have lost our republic...

Now we need another Huge Military force to do what the first one is supposed to be doing.

[jonathonandjennifer]

Also, that was a real war, DECLARED BY CONGRESS! I've had enough of these "police actions" and wars on ideas. I fear western civilzation has failed if we decide that a constant state of war/police action is preferable to short, intense periods of total war, follow by long periods of peace.