Pentagon creates homeland defense command
A new military command to oversee homeland defense will begin operating Oct. 1, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld announced Wednesday. The unit, known as Northern Command, will be responsible for defense of the United States--including waters off the east and west coasts--Canada, Mexico and parts of the Caribbean. The new structure aims to provide a more integrated approach to homeland defense. Previously, those duties had been split among several military commands. "The plan realigns and streamlines U.S. military structure to better address 21st century threats," Rumsfeld said. Rumsfeld stressed the command will not oversee law enforcement efforts within U.S. borders, but rather will support existing federal, state and local agencies in those matters. Federal law prohibits the military from enforcing domestic laws. The new command is expected to be based at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado and will likely be headed by Air Force Gen. Ralph Eberhart. The command will provide civil support not only in response to attacks, but also in response to natural disasters. Other changes in command structure include:
- U.S. European Command will manage military relations with Russia, save for activities in eastern Russia that will be managed by Pacific Command.
- U.S. Pacific Command will be responsible for Antarctica.
Jim Garamone from American Forces Press Service contributed to this story.