Calling the Cavalry

<p>This study analyzes the adequacy of the Department of Defense's (DOD) response during natural disasters. The author assesses the historical evolution of DOD operations domestically to establish expectations Americans have during disaster relief efforts. The author concludes that DOD operates domestically as legislated by Congress but its response at times falls short of American expectations. To determine why there is a difference between federal laws and American expectations the writer examines the disasters of Hurricane Andrew and Katrina. The results of this analysis suggest that elites are in a constant struggle for power and control which sometimes prevents them from making proper decisions during catastrophic events. By providing the historical evolution of federal disaster relief and coupling this with elites desire for power the author illustrates why the United States must improve existing federal disaster laws. In the final section the thesis concludes with recommendations on how to improve federal disaster laws with a focus on increased DOD involvement and improved manning for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>