Homeland Defense: The Evolution, the Threat, and the Air Force Role

The terrorist attacks of II September brought homeland defense to the forefront. In its 2001 Quadrennial Defense Review, the DoD acknowledged homeland defense as its primary mission. This paper traces homeland defense from its origins until today, focusing on the military's role. The paper then takes a broad look at the threats facing the United States homeland. Finally, the paper highlights some Air Force capabilities that currently are, or could be, utilized in homeland defense. Using this approach, this paper attempts to show that history argues for a robust, persistent homeland defense. It advocates that the United States' homeland defense must counter a broad spectrum of threats, both current and emerging, and that the United States Air Force should play a key role in that effort.