Defense Secretary Robert Gates has agreed to a plan that will allow for one commander to be in charge of both National Guard and Reserve forces when they are called up to respond to domestic emergencies. Defense Department officials say Gates signed off on the Joint Action Plan to improve the military’s ability to respond to natural or manmade emergencies. Paul Stockton is the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Security. He tells American Forces Press Service that the partnership creates a dual-commander status for each state. They’ll be able to operate in both the state and federal chains of command without legal changes.

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