The National Guard of the United States is responsible for the first military response to local, state, and federal emergencies, disasters and events beyond the capabilities of civilian emergency responders. As such, the creation of a collaborative Common Operating Picture (COP) is paramount for each level of the responder community. Used properly, a COP can capture all pertinent data regarding the event and, with the proper software and devices, broadcast it to the response community in near real-time. A COP gives leaders the ability to see their resources (people, equipment and supplies) and if incorporated at all response levels, can prevent duplication of effort and the waste of resources. While the Department of Homeland Security is responsible for the development and oversight of the COP for the federal government, the department is sorely behind in its implementation. Coupled with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of separate government organizations nationwide, the application of a comprehensive COP seems impossible. This study, while originally focused solely on the National Guard, finds a need for vast improvement throughout the whole of government in regards to COP development and implementation.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)