A Civil Defense Corps Offers Many Benefits

Maybe I have missed it someplace, but I haven’t seen anywhere the suggestion to form some sort of Civil Defense Corps, similar to that which existed during World War II. There is no question that the threat we face today is unprecedented for the U.S., and highly likely to continue for a very long time. A corps of volunteer, retired and semiretired citizens who have had prior military service, an honorable discharge and no criminal record could serve quite effectively at local levels (e.g., county) as round-the-clock eyes and ears for surveillance at critical infrastructure points such as dams, reservoirs and power stations.

They would be armed with cell phones, not weapons, and serve shifts; for example, eight hours a week. The advantages seem obvious: Probably there would be no lack of volunteers; because of their military service, many would have had experience with night operations (guard duty, etc.); they would understand command structure and the importance of discipline; only a short period of training would be necessary; a corps such as this would certainly provide at least some feeling of security for citizens; and low cost.

And, of course, I volunteer.

John G. Simpson

Camarillo