Assignment:
U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) was established Oct. 1, 2002, to provide command and control of Department of Defense (DOD) homeland defense efforts and to coordinate defense support of civil authorities. USNORTHCOM defends America's homeland-protecting its people, national power, and freedom of action.
USNORTHCOM partners to conduct homeland defense, civil support, and security cooperation to defend and secure the United States and its interests.
USNORTHCOM's AOR includes air, land, and sea approaches and encompasses the continental United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and the surrounding water out to approximately 500 nautical miles. It also includes the Gulf of Mexico, the Straits of Florida, and portions of the Caribbean region that include the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The commander of USNORTHCOM is responsible for theater security cooperation with Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas.
Questions to Answer
• It is often said that NORTHCOM is the "heavy lifter of last resort." What do you think that means?
• Should NORTHCOM be given a broader role in Homeland Security?
Remember to support your statements with examples and references.