In fact, federal resources may be required much earlier than during a typical disaster response. Given this potential, access to federal resources takes on a new and perhaps even demanding dimension. With quick access in mind, now is the time to work the accessibility issues, not after an event has occurred. The 10 USC 12304 amendment addresses access but extends the current PSRC authority to WMD related incidents. The nature of just these amendments is an example of the issues requiring attention.
More work remains necessary.
Perhaps, in the end, a new status covering operational missions will be most appropriate for the type duty outlined in this plan. That section currently authorizes the Secretary of a military department to order, without the consent of the persons affected, any unit, and any member not assigned to a unit organized to serve as a unit, in an active status in a reserve component under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to active duty for not more than 15 days a year. This amendment would increase a period of active duty from 15 to 30 days a year. This authority would enable the military departments to initially respond more effectively to a domestic incident involving a weapon of mass destruction and to make members of the ready reserve more readily available to participate in other operational missions.