9/11 Commission Questions For Norad

NORAD QUESTIONS (1) Officials from NORAD have repeatedly expressed that -- prior to 9/11 - NORAD's mission was to protect the U.S. from EXTERNAL threats. ["Until the morning of Sept. 11,2001, NORAD's focus was almost exclusively fixed on threats coming toward the Canadian and American borders, not terrorism in our domestic airspace." (NORAD website, 5/13/03)]

Why was NORAD exclusively focused on external threats? Prior to 9/11 was any consideration given to the possibility that America could be attacked by a domestic aircraft? (2),What policies and procedures were in place to respond to dpmetically hijacked airliner^? Please explain NORAD's role vis-a-vis the FAA in responding to hijackings. (3) In terms of response on the morning of 9/11, why were NORAD's assets limited to 14 planes at severj, locations? Could,NORAD task ANY other military aircraft to respond to the hijackings? For example, as I understand it General McKinley, you wear two hats; you're both the Commander of NORAD's continental region (CONAR) and you're the Commander of the First Air Force. £puld, your predecessor on 9/11 - General Arnold^ bJSY^J>ldej^djj^ojj_now_order any military plane under the command of the First Air Force to respond to the hijackings? (4) When and how did NORAD first leam of the hijackings on 9/11? What specifically was NORAD told? Please describe the chain of events and decisions that took place after FAA's notification. (5) Published reports indicate that, on the morning of 9/11, the President authorized the military to shoot down commercial flights that were suspected to be controlled by terrorists. What is your understanding of the substance of the order? How was it communicated down the chain of command? Did any of the pilots that were scrambled receive the order? (6) Published reports indicate that there was a conference call that morning involving NORAD, the FAA and other decision makers. When was the Air Threat Conference Call initiated and by whom? Who participated in the call? What decisions were made and what orders were given on the call?

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