WASHINGTON – In a room filled with the nation's top emergency managers, Army Gen. Thomas Carden, vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, underscored the shifting landscape of homeland security during a keynote address at the National Emergency Management Association Mid-Winter Forum here March 13.
Drawing from his experiences as the deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command and adjutant general of Georgia, Carden painted a vivid picture of a homeland that may no longer be considered a sanctuary.
"The complex nature of what we're asking you all to do has significant implications," he said, referencing how recent domestic incidents blur the lines between attacks in America and attacks on America.
Carden, who assumed his role at the National Guard Bureau just 40 days prior, outlined the dynamic nature of constantly evolving threats.
"We're under threat in all domains," he said, highlighting how adversary submarines transit near U.S. shores and cyber probes number in the thousands, even during a short podium speech.
He lauded the critical role of state and local emergency managers and TAGs as the "tip of the spear" in safeguarding citizens. He praised their daily efforts to mitigate suffering and "move the mathematical needle" in favor of survival during crises, whether natural disasters or man-made threats.
A key initiative Carden discussed was the Strategic Planning Framework-Guard, a new effort to align National Guard capabilities with state needs before disasters strike. Collaborating with adjutants general across the 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia – all of which have National Guard units – provides the framework to address gaps in response and recovery.
"This is about us trying to align some of these efforts," he explained, noting how Guard units have adapted in past events like Hurricane Katrina and during the COVID-19 pandemic, blending existing capabilities around emerging needs.
Carden also addressed the blurred lines between homeland defense and homeland security domains. He challenged the "mythical wall" in policy that separates military-protected infrastructure from civilian assets, like power plants.
"If we think the power plant outside that fence isn't critical, we're fooling ourselves," he said, urging a holistic approach to protect power projection and deter adversaries.
Following his speech, the general opened the floor to questions, giving emergency managers from states like Alaska, California, Florida, New Hampshire and Wyoming a chance to dig a little deeper. Florida's Kevin McCarty raised concerns about bridging classified information gaps to support military operations, prompting Carden to signal his support for improved security clearance processes for emergency managers.
"It's really hard to expect you to address a threat that we're not illuminating," he responded.
Alaska's Bryan Fisher sought advice on engaging adjutants general amid nation-state threats, with Carden encouraging proactive outreach: "Go get to know your TAGs. Spend time with them."
Wyoming's Linda Kerr highlighted disconnects in critical infrastructure prioritization, while New Hampshire's Rob Buxton discussed shared secure communications. Carden acknowledged the challenges: "We're going to run out of resources before we run out of lists," and stressed prioritization and interagency coordination.
On counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), Carden noted the complexities of authorities and risk management in civilian airspace.
"It's not like I can roll that thing out and start zapping things," he said, calling for more exercises to address growing threats.
Wrapping up, Carden thanked the emergency management professionals for acting as "seat belts" for their communities, raising the cost for adversaries while protecting lives.
"There are a lot of people that had Thanksgivings, Christmases, birthdays and anniversaries because of you," he said.
The forum reinforced the National Guard's commitment to partnership, ensuring readiness for America's "worst day." As threats evolve, Carden's call to action resonates: Collaboration isn't optional – it's essential for national resilience.