Joint Task Force originally established in 1989
History of Joint Task Force North
Joint Task Force North (JTF North) was formerly known as Joint Task Force-Six (JTF-6). In a ceremony conducted on September 28, 2004, JTF-6 was officially renamed JTF North and its mission was expanded to include providing homeland security support to the nation’s federal law enforcement agencies.
In response to President George H.W. Bush’s declaration of the “War on Drugs,” General Colin Powell, then Commanding General of the U.S. Army’s Forces Command, issued the order on November 13, 1989 that established JTF-6 at Fort Bliss, Texas.
JTF-6 was established to serve as the planning and coordinating operational headquarters to support local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies within the Southwest border region to counter the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.
JTF-6's original area of operations consisted of the four border states of California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas -- a land area of more than 660,000 square miles. In February 1995, by directive of the Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command, JTF-6's area of responsibility was expanded to include the entire continental United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In June 1997, responsibility for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands was transferred to U.S. Southern Command.
JTF-6's efforts led to both a greater recognition of the potential for military assistance in counterdrug efforts and a significant expansion of the partnership among active duty forces, reserve components, and the nation’s law enforcement agencies.
The tactics, techniques, and procedures that the command developed over the years in the “War on Drugs” contribute immeasurably to the accomplishment of JTF North’s broader new mission of combating transnational threats.
From its inception as JTF-6, to its evolution as JTF North, the command has completed over 6,000 missions in direct support of the nation’s local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and counterdrug task forces.
