BUSH MEETS NORTHCOM

First, you have to know what NORTHCOM is about:

In addition to defending the nation, U.S. Northern Command provides defense support of civil authorities in accordance with U.S. laws and as directed by the President or Secretary of Defense. Military assistance is always in support of a lead federal agency, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Military civil support includes domestic disaster relief operations that occur during fires, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. Support also includes counter-drug operations and consequence management assistance, such as would occur after a terrorist event employing a weapon of mass destruction.

Generally, an emergency must exceed the management capabilities of local, state and federal agencies before U.S. Northern Command becomes involved. In providing civil support, the command operates through subordinate Joint Task Forces.

As I write this, 1,474 days have elapsed since 9-11 and Bush still isn't familiar with NORTHCOM:

Northern Command the main federal entity that will interact with state and local officials during the storm, Bush said. "It's an important relationship, and I need to understand how it works better," he said.

McClellan said Bush's visit to Northern Command will give him a better grasp of federal preparations for the storm, which forecasters predict will strike between Houston, Texas, and the Louisiana state line.