"A Clear And Present Danger": Why DoD Active Duty Forces Must Assist in the Security of the U.S. Southern Border

This thesis examines the threat posed by the lack of security along the U.S. Southwestern border and recommends the employment of DoD Active Duty forces to assist in mitigating it. Analysis of the current situation and available historical data demonstrate the level of illegal activity and highlight the need for assistance to aid the Department of Homeland Security DHS. An effective strategy to enhance the security of the Southwest border and protect the lives, property and sovereignty of the United States is an essential first step to combating the flow of illegal activity and protecting the nation from the potential of terrorist infiltration before a catastrophic event occurs that can be linked to a lapse in the security at the nations Southwest border. Implementation requires thoughtful consideration of the full range of national security policies, strategy and law to ensure that the right capability, experience and tools are applied to the right problem. The current exemptions to the Posse Comitatus Act PCA are sufficient to allow the declaration of an emergency situation and use of DoD Active Duty Title 10 forces in this role.