Independent US commission concludes first hearing on roles of National Guard and Reserves in homeland security and disaster response Last year's Gulf Coast hurricanes illustrated the critical roles that the National Guard and reserves play in responding effectively to natural disasters and providing for the security of the US homeland. In the hearing, members of the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves questioned witnesses on the steps being taken by their agencies to improve preparations for natural disasters and other large-scale emergencies. Much of their questioning focused on the existing ‘balance of responsibility’ among the federal, state, and local organizations involved in homeland security and disaster response, including interagency challenges at the federal level, and obstacles impeding ‘unity of effort’ at all levels. In their testimony, the federal and military leaders described steps they are taking to improve performance in areas such as training, communications, and interagency coordination, but also identified areas in which capabilities to protect the homeland and respond to disasters must be improved. Among recommendations made by a panel of experts in homeland defense and security were an increased focus on regional preparation and response to disasters; greater access by governors to military force capabilities, beyond the National Guard, in their response to disasters; and an increased focus on the long term capabilities that will be needed by the National Guard and reserves if they are to meet both domestic and overseas requirements. The commission's next public hearing, to be held in Washington on June 15, will examine National Guard and reserve roles in disaster response and homeland security from the perspective of state government.
•Date: 5th May 2006• Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: Emergency planning |
