Applicability of unmanned aerial systems to homeland defense missions

Abstract

Battlefield success of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) prompted Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security leaders to examine their possible applicability to homeland defense missions within the National Strategy for Homeland Security. The National Strategy for Homeland Security incorporates all levels of government to include law enforcement agencies and the military, the predominant owner and operator of UASs. The military, however, is restricted in its domestic role by the Posse Comitatus Act, and is therefore limited in its domestic employment of UASs. In order to determine the applicability of UASs to homeland defense missions, it is necessary to examine the capabilities of available UASs, to match them with mission requirements, and determine the legality of where they can be used and who can operate them. A policy that places combat UAS capability with Title 10 military forces and homeland defense mission capability with Title 32 and law enforcement agencies will fulfill the goals stated in the national strategy and function within the current legal framework.