Homeland Security Vs Homeland Defense

421 Words2 Pages

Even though there is not a clear definition about the concepts, it is safe to say that both concepts of homeland security and homeland defense have the same goal, which is to keep the United State safe, but the main difference is that each concept has different functions or missions that when these are combined, they help achieve the mutual goal of keeping safe the United States and its citizens in both settings domestically and abroad (Noftsinger, Newbold & Wheeler, 2007, pg. 31). Although Homeland security can also take care of matters outside the United States it mainly deals with matters that occur domestically within the United States, while homeland defense mainly deals with matters outside the borders of the United States, but in rare …show more content…

30). Therefore, when it comes to homeland security, the agencies that are usually involved are local and federal law enforcement agencies; the National Guard; as well as many other federal agencies that fall under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (Noftsinger, Newbold & Wheeler, 2007, pg. 29). When it comes to homeland defense, the agencies that are usually involved are the ones that fall under the DOD (Department of Defense) (Noftsinger, Newbold & Wheeler, 2007, pg. 29). The question is why have government officials decided not to give a more active role to the DOD when it comes to homeland security? In the early history of the U.S. after the civil war, federal troops were tasked with enforcing domestic law, and it resulted in conflict since many federal troops were enforcing the law too aggressively in the southern states (Noftsinger, Newbold & Wheeler, 2007, pg. 28). Eventually, these actions forced government officials to find a solution to this problem and it resulted in the creation of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prevented the military from engaging in law enforcement matters within the United States unless there was a need for it and it must be approved by congress (Noftsinger, Newbold & Wheeler, 2007, pg. 28). Although homeland security and homeland defense have different objectives and missions, they both help improve national