Border security, including “a border wall, the use of multilayered defenses and advanced technology, the employment of additional personnel, and other measures” was formerly identified as a priority in the 2017 National Security Strategy, which was given to the Military to guide their planning. (So was the threat from China.)
When formally given challenges like that, our Military planners will develop approaches to address them, as sure as as night follows day.
White House Chief of Staff General Kelly brings together the National Command Authority in the White House, with Senior Military Experience as well as being former Secretary Homeland Security. He is the perfect mix of skills to get this thing done.
If Military resources are used, it is possible that additional billions per year might be spent. $5 billion a year from DoD for two years, plus the $1.6 billion per year to Homeland security equals $13.2 billion over two years - over a thousand miles of thirty foot bollards and paved patrol road with utility conduit for cameras and alarms (those numbers for DoD are purely hypothetical).
By the time that is done, self driving cars could be ready to patrol the road 24x7, scanning for crossers, and operating ground penetrating radar scans for tunnelers. Whole new ball game on the border. DoD could also further expand the sensors they already operate along the border, such as the Aerostat program, with new fleets of drones and even higher end surveillance assets, like dedicated satellites.
New elements within the Military could be established to maintain constant situational awareness along the border, and, establish routine Multi-Agency coordination with Homeland Security, sharing the real time views of the entire border - a NORAD-like command center, with data feeds shared to local Border Patrol stations, and even to Border Patrol Officers in their vehicles, while on the move.
USNORTHCOM, tasked with defending the Homeland, and already rich with surveillance expertise and Multi-Agency coordination, could establish a new Joint Task Force for Border Security (JTF-BS, on second thought, perhaps a different acronym....).
It is really just a question of finding the money, and DoD is the biggest pot of money out there, with the greatest Presidential discretion. DoD also has powerful capabilities to bring to the fight.
Am sharing your thoughts with other thread. May also share with Jim. You really need to do a vanity and share it all together. Excellent material !