Posted on Mar 24, 2017
Are you aware of the proposal of a US congressman to move the US Coast Guard from the DHS to the DoD? What are your thoughts on this issue?
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A recent proposal has been submitted to the appropriate US House committee to swap the USCG from the Dept. of Homeland Security to the Dept. of Defense. Considering just past DOD matériel procurement and budget issues, would the USCG lose its unique identity if this occurred? Having served in the USN and USA before retiring from the USCG, I have real doubts about the impact of this idea. And you?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 14
Perhaps the real catch in moving USCG to DoD is their law enforcement role. Generally DoD components do not conduct law enforcement activities or missions. The Coast Guard has specific law enforcement missions that are vital to the physical and economic security of the US. Additionally, they are likely to become even more of a "red-haired step-child" than they are already. Being a small armed service with missions no other Service does may put them on the lowest rung of the funding ladder in the DoD (giving the Marines a break). I think they should stay where they are with the continuing provision that they can be reassigned to the DoD in time of war.
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Sgt (Join to see)
Lt Col Jim Coe Great response sir. Some folks overlook the critical role that the Coast Guard plays in keeping our country safe and the other very important tasks that they perform.
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This won't happen, Senior. Right off the bat they'd lose their LEO powers to Posse Comitatus. That would have to be repealed with regards to the CG otherwise. And it would be monumentally stupid to strip them of LEO powers. That's an awesome picture though. What ship is that?
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SN Greg Wright
CWO2 S R - They do, yes, but they're underfunded for their size and mission. I'm just saying that in my mind, that's not a compelling argument. I could be wrong, of course.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
The ship is the US Coast Guard ship " Eagle"and it is berthed at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT and used as a training ship. The Law Enforcement powers of the Cost Guard are exactly why the Coast Guard doesn't fall under the DOD, the US Navy to be exact except in time of war. It is My opinion any change would not be a good idea for the peacetime Coast Guard.
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SGT Jerrold Pesz
Posse Comitatus is an act of congress not part of the Constitution. As such it could be amended or even abolished by congress.
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Yes, I sailed Eagle on two patrols. Broke the speed record near the Azores going 17.5kts under sail in 1981. Blow out two jibs.
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