Asked and answered: role of the military in natural disasters
Associated Press (via Yahoo News):
Bush said he is interested in whether the Defense Department should take charge in massive national disasters.
“Clearly, in the case of a terrorist attack, that would be the case, but is there a natural disaster — of a certain size — that would then enable the Defense Department to become the lead agency in coordinating and leading the response effort?” Bush asked. (Link)
Yes, Mr. President, there is a natural disaster of a certain size that would warrant the Defense Department as lead agency. And that size is any size for which you’ll be blamed should relief prove inadequate.