What is a primary objective of the Homeland Security Act established for the Coast Guard?

The Homeland Security Act established several important objectives for the Coast Guard, one of which is to maintain defense readiness and law enforcement missions. This is crucial as the Coast Guard serves as a vital part of national security efforts, integrating its roles in maritime defense and law enforcement to protect the United States from threats both domestic and international.

This objective emphasizes the Coast Guard's role in ensuring that the maritime domain is secure and that the nation remains prepared to respond to various challenges. Defense readiness involves the ability to deploy resources effectively during emergencies or threats, while law enforcement missions include enforcing federal laws on the high seas and within U.S. waters, combating drug smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activities.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of the Coast Guard's responsibilities, such as international trade, recreational boating safety, and job training. While these are also important, they do not encompass the primary objective connected to the national security framework established by the Homeland Security Act. Thus, the emphasis on defense readiness and law enforcement reflects the core mission of the Coast Guard within the context of homeland security.