Legacy Missions

Terrorism is getting all the DHS-related press. Consequently, most people inside and outside government think that the legacy missions of agencies like FEMA and the Coast Guard have been supplanted by terrorist related responsibilities to a much greater degree than they actually have. While it's true that a lot of planning for terrorism has been added to what was already on our plates, the legacy missions of FEMA and the CG have changed very little with the move to DHS.

I may be wrong, but I believe that what was lost in FEMA more than anything was the leadership skills and subject matter expertise in key places. The legislation that moved FEMA didn't change its mission as far as I can remember. For that reason, I take Dr.Sylevs' advocacy for radical change with a grain of salt. I stand to be corrected. We would all like to see the federal government revolve around our mission areas, but it's too big and complex for that to happen.That's not to say that we shouldn't use teachable moments to call attention to our needs.

Dan Lemon