Combating Terrorism: Use of National Guard Response Teams is Unclear

• NCJ Number: 189387
• Author(s): Christopher Shays; Ike Skelton; Bob Barr
• Date Published: May 1999
• Length: 50 pages
• Corporate Author: US Government Accountability Office
• Sale Source: US Government Accountability Office; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded June 12, 2001

Annotation

This report evaluates the National Guard's role in responding to incidents of weapons of mass destruction and whether other State and local entities perform similar tasks.

Abstract

The Department of Defense has approved the creation of 10 National Guard Rapid Assessment and Initial Detection (RAID) teams to assist State authorities in assessing an emergency involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). While Defense has defined RAID teams' role, plans for them and their implementation evolve. The Army believes the teams can be a valuable asset to Federal authorities. But the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency do not see a role for RAID teams in a Federal response. Officials in States without a RAID team do not see how it could bring expertise to the State's existing response capabilities because of the time it would take a team to respond. However, Pennsylvania, which has a RAID team, plans to fully integrate it into the State's WMD plan and use it to respond to more common hazardous materials emergencies. Many local and Federal organizations can perform similar functions as the RAID teams. More than 600 local hazardous materials teams exist, and many military and Federal civilian organizations can help local commanders deal with WMD incidents. Many local, State and Federal officials are concerned that the teams can not meet their mission because of National Guard recruiting, retention, training, and operational issues. Because of the differing views on the role and use of the RAID teams, the many organizations that can perform similar functions, and the organization issues that can impact the teams, GAO recommends Federal agencies determine the need for the teams. If it is determined the teams are needed, they should be tested to determine how they can effectively perform their functions. If they are not needed, they should be inactivated. Congress may want to consider restricting funds for more teams until the reassessment is complete. 4 appendices.