The Joint Task Force Structure as a Model for Homeland Security in Bloomington, MN

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faces many complex security challenges. Similar to the Department of Defense (DOD) before 1986, DHS components compete against one another for parochial benefits. This competition limits unity of effort and reduces both effectiveness and efficiency. DHS needs a mechanism to attain unity of effort through unity of command at the operational level. Can a DOD type Joint Task Force (JTF) structure provide the unity of command needed at DHS? This paper explores the application of a JTF to one of DHS's complex security issues, the Akwesasne Territory.