The purpose of this resolution is to introduce language that would require the U.S. Army North’s Commander to be a qualified National Guard officer who is eligible for promotion to the grade of O-9. U.S. Army North's primary responsibilities are Homeland Defense, Defense Support of Civil Authorities and Security Cooperation activities with the armed forces of Canada and Mexico. This mission is uniquely suited to National Guard flag officers with the experience gained from leading repeated domestic response missions, as well as the lasting relationships that they have developed while responding to large scale emergencies time and time again each time the nation has called. As the Army has become an integrated global force with the Army National Guard as its partner, it makes sense that it would direct the mission of Homeland Defense to its component that has significant overlap into this area to the point of redundancy. The Army National Guard has continuously proven the ability to respond effectively to a wide range of domestic emergencies, build the necessary partnerships, and simultaneously maintained the ability to provide ready forces to Combatant Commanders overseas.