New Army combat unit to deploy within U.S.

[Scimitar]

An article (yes sorry CNN) discussing the new Army combat unit to deploy within U.S.

It briefly refers to the Posse Comitatus Act. My very limited understanding was that ZERO Active duty forces could be used for ANYTHING on domestic soil.

Can anyone shed some light on this?

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/10/03/army.unit/index.html

Thanks

Scimitar

[mcarey]

I beleive a few issues since 9/11 have led to this decision.

1. The NG and reserve units that were designated for NBC / CBRNE response have had problems being fully trained and equipped.

2. Many small units are harder to train and equip, especially in the NG, which has constraints in they way they are funded by the FED and State budgets.

3. I think that an active unit would respond a bit quickeer en mass, as a NG / reserve unit will respond quickly, but not be a full strengh generally for a least a couple days.

Also, Posse Comitatus does restrict active duty troops to support roles and severly limits use of force, arrest, detention and surveillance on US citizens. Active soldiers understand this and would disreguard illegal orders.

On a side note, the congress (Both Parties) have failed to fund this (NBC/CBRNE response) adequately to the first responders, states NG forces and US reserve forces. So it may be a cost saving measure to accomplish a contingency mission that, god forbid it happened, would make Katrina's response look well organized if not planned for.

[Scimitar]

Also, Posse Comitatus does restrict active duty troops to support roles and severly limits use of force, arrest, detention and surveillance on US citizens. Active soldiers understand this and would disreguard illegal orders.

Thanks for the clarification Mcarey

[2018commo]

I beleive a few issues since 9/11 have led to this decision.

1. The NG and reserve units that were designated for NBC / CBRNE response have had problems being fully trained and equipped.

2. Many small units are harder to train and equip, especially in the NG, which has constraints in they way they are funded by the FED and State budgets.

3. I think that an active unit would respond a bit quickeer en mass, as a NG / reserve unit will respond quickly, but not be a full strengh generally for a least a couple days.

Also, Posse Comitatus does restrict active duty troops to support roles and severly limits use of force, arrest, detention and surveillance on US citizens. Active soldiers understand this and would disreguard illegal orders.

On a side note, the congress (Both Parties) have failed to fund this (NBC/CBRNE response) adequately to the first responders, states NG forces and US reserve forces. So it may be a cost saving measure to accomplish a contingency mission that, god forbid it happened, would make Katrina's response look well organized if not planned for.

Actually the CCMRF will handle some of the logistical support, management of push packages and given the nature of this active duty unit I suspect force protection of the prime CBRNE units, CST and CERF-P while deployed. I also understand NG units would be stood up at a 25% strength on ADSW to perform this mission. This assignment will also be considered their GWOT rotation. There should be communication and other units assigned to the CCMRF mission too. The units will receive advanced CBRNE training during the rotation, but not replace the existing assets

Having 17 years in SF and having served as a CST 1SG, the staffing issues were not that different, I can only remember once actually deploying with two medics on our team, and that a composite team. I guess the difference would be SF Soldiers thrive on adversity, a competency rarely found on a purple CST. Several of the larger states are getting a second CST, and some of the smaller states/territories are struggling with readiness.
As a rule AGR positions rarely stay empty long.

I deleted a better article this week; I can retrieve it and post it should any one be interested.
.- ---

[msgec]

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[JimP]

Don't forget: there are numerous excetions to the PCA; AND... The President can order Fed troops into action domestically. The PCA was set up to prevent local authorities from pressing Federal troops into action. Big difference.

[NousDefionsDoc]

An article (yes sorry CNN) discussing the new Army combat unit to deploy within U.S.

It briefly refers to the Posse Comitatus Act. My very limited understanding was that ZERO Active duty forces could be used for ANYTHING on domestic soil.

Can anyone shed some light on this?

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/10/03/army.unit/index.html

Thanks

Scimitar

It never said any such thing. What it did was limit the use of military for law enforcement. Two entirely different things.

Here

http://www.homelandsecurity.org/journal/articles/Trebilcock.htm

[Scimitar]

Thank you for the clarification gentlemen.

Scimitar