... He said President Bush describes the homeland security
mission as a concerted effort to prevent terrorist attacks
within the United States, to reduce the nation's
vulnerability to terrorism, and to minimize damage and to
assist in recovery efforts after terrorist attacks. ...

... However, Verga noted that fiscal 2004 Defense Planning
Guidance defines homeland defense as the military
protection of U.S. territory, the domestic population and
critical defense infrastructure against external threats
and aggression. ...

-----Original Message-----
From: DEFENSE PRESS SERVICE LIST 
On Behalf Of Press Service
Sent: 11 December 2002 20:45
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Verga Clarifies DoD's Homeland Defense Role

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2002 -- In defending the homeland, DoD
has clear and defined responsibilities often very much
separate from those of civil organizations, a senior
Pentagon official noted here Dec. 10.

Accordingly, the Defense Department recognizes there are
differences between the homeland security and homeland
defense missions, Peter Verga, director of DoD's Homeland
Defense Task Force, reminded a security conference audience
here.

DoD supports national homeland security through its
military homeland defense missions, Verga explained.

He said President Bush describes the homeland security
mission as a concerted effort to prevent terrorist attacks
within the United States, to reduce the nation's
vulnerability to terrorism, and to minimize damage and to
assist in recovery efforts after terrorist attacks.

However, Verga noted that fiscal 2004 Defense Planning
Guidance defines homeland defense as the military
protection of U.S. territory, the domestic population and
critical defense infrastructure against external threats
and aggression.

The DPG also calls for DoD to routinely study state
activities to deter potential aggressors and to prepare
U.S. military forces for action, if needed.

"That's a subtle, but a very, very distinct difference,"
Verga pointed out, noting that the terms homeland security
and homeland defense "are often - very incorrectly - used
interchangeably."

There are three circumstances where DoD would be involved
in homeland security activities within the United States,
he noted. They are:

Traditional military missions performed inside the
United States, called "extraordinary circumstances." An
example would be the current combat air patrols, during
which military aircraft might be ordered to shoot down a
terrorist-hijacked airliner that's en route to a target.

Emergency circumstances, where the military aids civil
authorities or other federal agencies with logistical and
other support in, for instance, disaster relief missions
after hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.

Temporary circumstances, such as DoD support to the
Olympics.

DoD's foremost mission, Verga pointed out, is to defend the
United States and the American population. Any department
activities requested in support of homeland defense efforts
should be centrally coordinated, he noted, to promote
efficiency and prevent confusion.

The mechanisms to coordinate such DoD support are either in
place or soon will be, Verga noted, citing the March 2003
start up of the Department of Homeland Security, and the
authorization of a new assistant secretary of defense for
homeland defense.

He also pointed to the Oct. 1 establishment of U.S.
Northern Command, the new unified command with
responsibility for homeland defense.

Army Lt. Gen. Joseph Kellogg, director of command, control,
communications and computer systems (J-6) for the Joint
Staff, sat on the discussion panel with Verga. He noted
Northern Command is the first regional combatant command in
the United States.

Northern Command's job, he noted, is to coordinate with
other elements and agencies to produce "a seamless
battlefield."

"We view the United States of America as a battlefield. If
you look at what happened back on the 11th of September a
year ago, . those attacks occurred . within the United
States," Kellogg emphasized.

_______________________________________________________
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====================================================

Visit the Defense Department's Web site for the latest news
and information about America's response to the Sept. 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks and the war against terrorism: "Defend America"
at http://www.DefendAmerica.mil.

====================================================
Visit the "Department of Defense Homeland Security" Web site
at http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/homeland/ to learn more
about the Department of Defense role in homeland security.

====================================================





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