Homeland Security: The Department of Defense, The Department of Homeland Security and Critical Vulnerabilities

Within the context of joint doctrine, homeland security is a critical capability that offers fundamental protection to the nation. It is the nation's strategic defense, permitting the execution of the national strategies while simultaneously prosecuting the war on terrorism. An effective relationship between the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security represents a critical requirement that enables homeland security as a critical capability. More than any two other departments within the federal government, the Department of Homeland Security (charged by law and the National Strategy for Homeland Security to protect the nation's homeland from terrorism) and the Department of Defense (charged by law and the National Security Strategy to not only defend the nation but to concurrently fight and win the nation's wars) must achieve a unity of effort. Anything less creates a critical vulnerability and imperils the nation's centers of gravity. This paper seeks to inform the development of this relationship. The recommendations offered may or may not reflect any ultimate decisions since the dynamics of the current strategic environment, including the Department of Defense's transformation efforts and the organizational challenges of standing-up the Department of Homeland Security all serve to influence the final outcome.