Reply #16: looky here! northcom is already making martial law plans... [View All]

[Lerkfish]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/10/11/disaster.force/index.html

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Northern Command is considering establishing a new military unit capable of quick response to major natural disasters, like hurricanes, floods or earthquakes, according to NorthCom officials familiar with the internal discussions about the concept.

(snip)

The plan is being described as analogous to contingency combat forces, like the Ready Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, which is always on standby to deploy within 18 hours.

(snip)

Senior NorthCom military commanders have been told in recent weeks to start developing operational concepts, a major task being the airlift of military and medical assets, the official said.

(snip)

But recent base closures have reduced some of the military's medical capacity, and war games have shown that it would be overwhelmed during a large pandemic, the official added.