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STATEMENT OF 
MAJOR GENERAL JOHN A. "ANDY" LOVE,
AIR NATIONAL GUARD
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE COMBATANT COMMANDER
UNITED STATES NORTHERN COMMAND

BEFORE THE
HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TERRORISM, UNCONVENTIONAL THREATS AND CAPABILITIES

 4 MARCH 2004

Chairman Saxton, Congressman Meehan and Members of the Subcommittee:

On behalf of Gen Eberhart, it is an honor to appear before this Committee and to represent the outstanding men and women of United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).  Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the progress USNORTHCOM is making in working with the National Guard toward structure, procedures and authorities for homeland defense and civil support missions. 

We believe the best way to protect Americans is to defeat terrorists as far away from our homeland as we can.  We want to engage our enemies in "away games" like U.S. Central Command is doing in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.  We want to take the fight to those who threaten our way of life and our freedoms. 

Although we have the advantage during "away games," we are also prepared to win the "home game" by protecting, defending and defeating threats against our Nation.  An area of significant focus is the 500-mile "buffer" zone offshore.  These approaches to our mainland do not have the level of real-time surveillance we believe is required to detect and interdict threats.  Therefore, we are looking at ways to interdict terrorists or other enemies operating in these critical areas.  Of note, we are encouraged by a technology demonstration to determine the potential of high altitude airships to look over-the-horizon throughout North America and out from our coastal waters for air, ground and maritime threats. 

We are working with the National Guard Bureau to improve the ability of the National Guard to support homeland defense and civil support missions.  In addition, the National Guard is evaluating how it might tailor its forces to meet the needs of the States and defend our Nation.  

Following are some National Guard initiatives we believe would enhance USNORTHCOM's ability to respond to national security threats.

·    Joint Force Headquarters (State).  Transforming the National Guard State Area Command Headquarters in each state and territory into a Joint Force Headquarters (State) would provide a well-placed command and control capabilities for situational awareness and immediate response throughout the United States.

·    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosive (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force Package.  The National Guard is organizing, equipping and training existing units to create regional CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Packages that provide capabilities for mass decontamination and rescue and to fill the gap between first responders and the arrival of more robust Department of Defense forces.

·    Joint CONUS Communications Support Enterprise.  The National Guard is evaluating the feasibility of a Joint CONUS Communication Support Enterprise using existing communications capabilities.  This system would provide USNORTHCOM with access to near real-time information on local and state events and enhance our ability to identify potential requirements. 

·    Quick and Rapid Reaction Forces.  The National Guard proposes to use existing National Guard forces to meet immediate requirements within each state and, if required, to provide Quick and Rapid Reaction Forces in support of the Commander, USNORTHCOM. These forces would alleviate part of the strain placed on the active duty components.  We envision these units would act under Title 32 status while on alert and have "hip pocket orders" to convert to Title 10 status, if required.   

These are a few of the initiatives we are pursuing with the National Guard to enhance unity of effort.  We hope to take full advantage of the fact that the National Guard is forward deployed throughout America and is located in 3300 armories and Air National Guard facilities.   

We appreciate your support and commitment to our mission, as well as to our servicemen and women.  Through your efforts, the United States is better prepared to face terrorist threats.  USNORTHCOM will continue to improve our capabilities to protect and defend this great Nation.  I look forward to your questions.