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WHEREAS, America's citizens and our national security are at risk from a variety of transnational threats that honor no border; extreme nationalism, terrorism, international organized crime, illegal alien migration, drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), to the economic security of our ports; and
WHEREAS, the United States Coast Guard, as both an armed force under 10 USC and 14 USC, is the principal federal authority in the domestic port/maritime region, responsible for the prevention/response to threats to our national security in and around US ports; and
WHEREAS, the Coast Guard, by virtue of its unique blend of law enforcement, humanitarian and military capabilities and authorities, is expected to ensure security of our maritime borders and exclusive economic zones through detection and interdiction of national security threats, and when necessary, first response to port and coastal zone incidents, including WMD, but lacks commensurate personnel, equipment, training, and infrastructure to ensure effective real-time response and prevention of a WMD incident; and
WHEREAS, the Coast Guard Reserve (CGR) provides the Coast Guard with a critical force multiplier, particularly in the area of port security capability, but that cost-effective component is currently sized at only two-thirds of the total minimum requirement defined in the most recent Service contingency plans (and in the 1997 CGR Roles and Missions Study);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, chartered by Congress, urge the Congress to provide the necessary support, including resources to the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure it can meet its homeland security responsibilities of maritime security, including critical infrastructure protection, economic security, environmental security, and national defense, and protection of American citizens= interests in the maritime regions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Coast Guard and its Reserve component be adequately sized, equipped and funded by the Congress to carry out effectively the critical national security role of national maritime security coordinator.
Renewed by the National Convention: 11 July 2009
Renewed as 06-14 by the National Convention - 22 July 2006
Renewed as 03-14 by the National Convention - 27 June 2003
Originally Resolution 00-05
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