We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we’ve set. We’ve got to have a civilian national security force that’s just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded.” Barack Obama, 2008
Homeland Security has announced the creation of a new FEMA corps to tap volunteers for disaster/emergency responses. The program is a partnership between FEMA and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), itself managed under the Homeland Security umbrella.
The Department of Homeland Security plans to start with 1,600 volunteers dispatched across the country and specially trained to provide “critical disaster services” during an emergency response. Volunteers are not FEMA employees, but will wear branded uniform clothing and will be directed by FEMA. DHS boasts that the entry level positions will prepare these trainees for careers in the ever-bloating disaster response bureaucracy.
