The U.S. Citizen-Soldier: Protector of the Homeland 

18 & 19 September 2009, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington

Since the founding of this nation, the place of the citizen-soldier in its defense establishment has been hotly debated. 

One perennial question centers on the role that the Guard and Reserve forces should play in restoration of civil order and structure following disaster, whether natural or man-made.  What legal limits constrain the National Guard or Reserve?  Just how far do their powers extend given posse comitatus legislation?

Recent events have also raised the issue as to the role of citizen-soldiers in helping rebuild stricken communities.  Following catastrophes such as 9/11 or Katrina, do the Guard and Reserve have a mission in restoring key services to the afflicted cities?  And how should these efforts mesh with those of civilian agencies such as FEMA?

Given the virtual certainty that this nation will confront again challenges similar to those facing citizen-soldiers in New York City in 2001 and in New Orleans in 2005, it is incumbent on us to derive from those trials signposts for the future.  Thus, the conference topic centers on an essential component of future military and domestic security deliberations.

Please join us at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia for The U.S. Citizen-Soldier: Protector of the Homeland:A Retrospective Look and the Road Ahead. 

Download the conference mailing & program.  (pdf)