The Coast Guard is part of the _______ in peace time.

The Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, which is crucial in understanding its role in domestic security and law enforcement. This department is responsible for protecting the nation's maritime interests, including immigration enforcement, search and rescue operations, and maintaining maritime safety and environmental protection.

In times of war or during times of national emergency, the Coast Guard can be integrated into the Department of Defense, where it subsequently operates as a military force alongside the Navy. However, during periods of peace, its functions and missions are focused more on safety, security, and regulatory roles, aligning it primarily with the objectives of the Department of Homeland Security. This delineation illustrates how the Coast Guard functions within national security and domestic law enforcement frameworks rather than the military structure of the Department of Defense or the Navy.