Source: Defense.gov
Confident in the strength of the U.S.-Canada security relationship, the new commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command said he’s turning his focus southward.
“The Number 1 priority is going to be our partnership with Mexico. There is just no question,” Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. told reporters here last week.
Winnefeld is touring the southwestern U.S. border region today, accepting the invitation extended by Arizona Sen. John McCain during Winnefeld’s April confirmation hearing. It’s Winnefeld’s first visit there since assuming command on May 19, and he told reporters he’s looking forward to getting a deeper understanding of the issues involved.
Although detailed plans are still being worked, the up to 1,200 National Guard troops expected to deploy to the U.S.-Mexican border as part of President Barack Obama’s border-security initiative aren’t expected to report to Winnefeld. The Guard members will serve under Title 32 authority, paid for with federal funds but under their state governors’ authority.
However, Winnefeld sees himself as instrumental in helping to ensure the Mexicans understand what their role will be – and more importantly, what it won’t be.
“This is not militarizing the border. There is no intent to do that,” the admiral said. “This is a civil support mission that is a bridge until some of the $500 million that the president has identified to plus up the [federal law enforcement capability along the border] gets into place.”
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