Naval War College

"Time To Put The Military On The Border" Naval War College

The United States has been in a protracted war on terrorism since the events of September 11, 2001. As a result, there are ever increasing concerns over the possibility of terrorists exploiting our porous southwest border. It is well documented that the U. S. Border Patrol is undermanned, under-equipped, and under-trained to deal with the increasing numbers of illegal immigrants, escalating violent gang activity, and in the increasing incidents of questionable activity by the Mexican military. Recent televised demonstrations of millions of illegal immigrants and numerous reports of increasing border incursions have begun to alarm not only those who reside in Border States, but have also captured the attention of the nation. This work will seek to discover through a discussion of the relevance of the Posse Comitatus Act, analysis of the growing threat on our southwestern border, the impact of placing the military on the border, and current counterargument, just how serious an issue the security of our southwestern border has become. The work will conclude by advocating for a change in our border control policy that allows greater discretion to man the border with the U. S. Military to ensure the continued safety and sovereignty of our nation.