WASHINGTON - The Pentagon has drawn up plans to create a new domestic command under a four-star officer to co-ordinate the military's response to terror attacks in the United States, defence officials said on Monday.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was preparing to present the proposal to President George W Bush in a major restructuring move on "homeland defence" prompted by devastating Sept 11 attacks on America, the officials told Reuters.

"I think you will see a move here to better oversee all military personnel involved in protecting our coasts, airspace and facilities at home," said one of the officials, who asked not to be identified.

Vice President Dick Cheney endorsed on Sunday creating a the new command within the Pentagon to co-ordinate military defence and provide support to local authorities in the event of another attack such as the September hijack strikes in the United States that killed more than 3 000 people.

The Washington Post reported on Sunday that the plan was nearly ready for Bush's consideration. It would consolidate roles now divided among offices and commands within the military, including the Air Force, Army, National Guard and Reserve, the Post said.

Advocates of a new "unified command", which would be set up under a four-star general or admiral like other such current US military commands, say it would speed any response to domestic threat.

The military now has nine unified commands, including those with responsibility over the Middle East and Gulf, Europe and Africa, Central Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. - Nampa-Reuters