Army Forces for Homeland Security

What role can the Army play in protecting the United States from terrorist attacks? Although responding to terrorist attacks and other domestic emergencies is primarily a civilian responsibility, the U.S. Army has a role in filling gaps in civilian capability. Should the Army adopt a hedging strategy to meet the risks of future terrorist attacks and other emergencies? The authors of this report lay out five possible shortfalls in Army capability and suggest five responses the Army can begin today, concluding that the nation needs to decide whether to bear the costs today in order to hedge against future risks.