This month marks the 10th anniversary of the founding of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), based at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Since August of 2011, it has been my privilege to lead the dedicated men and women of this command, along with our partner unit for homeland defense, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the robust bi-national security command shared with Canada for more than 54 years. With memories of 9/11 still etched in America’s consciousness, and during this remarkable time of transition across the globe, it is fitting to mark this 10th anniversary for USNORTHCOM. We do this not only with admiration and appreciation for the successes or all agencies responsible for the security of the nation over the past decade, but with reflective acknowledgement of the challenges that remain.
USNORTHCOM’s mission has matured since its inception in 2002, to where our main efforts are focused today: partnering to accomplish a three-fold mission set—defense of the Homeland, support of civil authorities, and security cooperation with our tremendous neighbors here in North America.
Some of our most significant partners include organizations we support at home, such as the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice, and those we support externally, including the Department of State. Equally important to our nation’s layered defense-in-depth, and to overall hemispheric security, are our regional peers led by Canada, Mexico, and The Bahamas. Whether countering violent extremism, or working to save lives and reduce suffering from natural disasters, or disrupting networks of transnational criminal organizations, USNORTHCOM’s vibrant partnerships truly form the underlying foundation of all we do. Indeed, in our command headquarters alone, we have nearly sixty liaison officers from more than fifty different agencies, all working together toward our mutual strategic objectives and operational effectiveness.
As we look to the future of a globalizing world, it becomes clearer that activities overseas increasingly affect those here at home. Today we understand with greater clarity the intrinsic link between the “away game” and the “home game” when it comes to U.S. safety and security. No longer can we think that fighting our enemies elsewhere will keep us sufficiently insulated here in our own neighborhoods. We must always be prepared at home.
Now, as our military forces reposture and the nation rebalances its foreign policy emphasis, I am pleased to be working with my fellow commanders and leaders from all agencies to ensure the priorities of the homeland remain in the forefront.
Moreover, all service members and civilians at USNORTHCOM know that defending the homeland is a sacred trust bestowed by the American people. We understand that should the need arise, we must stand ready to transition and respond to a Homeland in crisis, meeting any dire natural or manmade threat at home with well-trained, equipped and ready forces.
This response capability requires a cultural paradigm shift in how we approach preparations for support to the homeland. if we are to outpace the evolving threats of tomorrow to defend and secure the United States and our interests, we too must evolve.
To be sure, in 2002, developing areas of national security interest—such as cyber security, peaceful opening of the Arctic, and transnational criminal networks—were not yet fully revealed. These represent just a few of the emergent issues today that we must increasingly and thoughtfully consider. If we fail to anticipate new threats, or neglect to capitalize on new opportunities, we risk being late to defend the nation or render assistance to the public in its times of greatest need. Such is the challenge of the homeland and the enduring worth and roles of NORAD and USNORTHCOM.
It is humbling to lead the vastly talented men and women of USNORTHCOM, and I am honored to serve alongside such committed partners representing a multitude of backgrounds, expertise, and nationalities. With all of these individuals and organizations working together, focused on effective and efficient cooperative defense of North America, I am confident that we will continue to maintain the trust of the American people.
As USNORTHCOM marks its tenth year of service, we look forward to strengthening the outstanding relationships that we enjoy in further advancing the security of our nation. There is a large banner hanging on the wall of our command center that reminds us daily of enormous faith and confidence the people of the United States and our partner agencies have placed in us to help protect and support them. It says, “We Have the Watch!”
By Gen. Charles H. Jacoby
Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command
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