Why Make DHS Multi-Mission?
Building Blocks for the DHS. A number of homeland security and non-homeland security challenges can be met with similar resources and methods. Each division of the new Department of Homeland Security will have multiple and, at times, potentially conflicting duties. FEMA and the Coast Guard offer clear examples of the culture that should emerge in the new department to address this obstacle. FEMA’s approach to the challenge of dealing with many different kinds of disasters has enabled it to develop strong relationships with the first-response community that have been central to its success. The Coast Guard’s focus on maritime operations has allowed it to develop tactics that are applicable to any situation that arises on America’s waterways. This kind of multi-use flexibility is essential if DHS is to succeed in meeting its diverse missions. Including FEMA and the Coast Guard in the DHS also would enable linear progression in threat planning. Conversely, excluding either agency would cr
