Department of Defense and Homeland Security on Jurisdiction Issues Jacob Brockett American Military University Department of Defense and Homeland Security on Jurisdiction Issues If we have an army, what do we need a security detail for? Preliminary Events The year was 1917, the United States had just entered World War I. Due to the industrial revolution, many countries entered the war with many new weapons. One in particular would pave a new way for assault, the air plane. Starting in 1914, European cities were being bombarded by aerial firepower (Homeland Security National Prepardness Task Force, 2006). For the first time in history, governments had to address the defending of its citizens from a spontaneous attack initiated from a great …show more content…
distance away. The U.S. followed suit once entering the war on the concerns of protecting its citizens due to the psychological toll created by the European aerial bombings (Homeland Security National Prepardness Task Force, 2006). The threat was that any single fly by could drop an explosive with devastating results with no one to intercept. Unlike conventional threats from before, these new threats could happen without warning and inflict the most damage to the infrastructure of the U.S. with no Paul Revere or Israel Bissell giving us a heads up. Civil defense was developed to interdict, prepare, and respond where law enforcement and military fell short. Since then, through the years there has been many agencies, committees, and departments that have held responsibility in the defense of the U.S. Then came September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks of the Northeastern United States.
Just like the attack on Pearl Harbor, the attacks on 9/11 demonstrated that there was not only a new kind of threat to the U.S., but there was a need in change in our approach, vulnerabilities, and weaknesses in our system (Department of Homeland Security, 2002). Just like in 1945 when President Truman asked congress to combine the Navy and War Departments into the Department of Defense to combine intelligence and cooperation among the armed forces (Department of Homeland Security, 2002), President Bush proposed the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. This was to address the weaknesses demonstrated on 9/11 of poor coordination, disconnected intelligence, redundant waste of man power and money, and no defined chain of command. On November 25th, 2002 the Department of Homeland Security was created to centralize a chain of command, combine resources, and establish effective and efficient coordination in preparation, deterrent, and response to domestic threats (Homeland Security, …show more content…
2010). Department of Homeland Security The Department of Homeland Security, as mentioned before, was established to address the ever evolving, ever changing, and never ending national threats by linking federal, state, and local efforts in intelligence sharing, resource management, and agency coordination. Since the merging of the War Department and Department of the Navy in 1947, there has not been a single agency with the sole responsibility or primary mission of homeland security until its creation (Department of Homeland Security, 2002). The Homeland Security Act of 2002, reorganized and restructured 22 agencies and their resources under the Department of Homeland Security to centralize its command under a unified structure which provides a line of authority from the president to the onsite federal coordinator (Marrs, 2011). Now, at the core of the department lies its primary missions of preventing terrorist attacks, securing the boarders, enforcing immigration laws, protecting and monitoring cyber activity, and preparing for and response to disasters (Homeland Security, 2010). The Department of Homeland Security takes a law enforcement stance in jurisdiction and authority to address criminal activities to the nation’s security and welfare within the United States. Homeland Defense. Unlike the Department of Homeland Security, homeland defense is not its own department but more like a combination of departments and resources to address national threats. The difference lies within its primary mission and on what the occasion is. Homeland Defense is the protection of the United States, in country or out of country, in conventional style attacks between waring nations, groups, or individuals (Goss, 2006). At the lead of these operations lies the Department of Defense and its resources from each department of the armed forces. These departments of the armed forces in the DOD share one primary mission, to deter outside aggression towards the U.S. and defeat any enemy if deterrence should fail (Goss, 2006) . Homeland defense takes a waring stance or aggression and defense instead of a law enforcement stance. However, these two become inter-tangled. Working Together. So far there has been a defined jurisdiction and point of main effort differences between the Department of Homeland Security and homeland defense.
One address mostly inner continental and the other mostly outer continental. One takes a law enforcement approach while the other takes a war or battle approach. However, the tactics, techniques, and procedures of the terrorist threat has left us with a not so clear or defined jurisdiction. Therefore, the Department of Homeland Security and homeland defense departments must work together to meet the challenge. The resources for homeland defense can be used and is used in supporting operations and missions of HLS (Gross). This flexibility allows for assets to be implemented more effectively in the fight on terror while also allowing for efficient coordination among different commands. This has been a vital change in protecting the nation’s infrastructure of high value targets from conventional and nonconventional threats as we move forward in the new age of
warfare. Critical Infrastructure. The Critical Infrastructure is a term used to describe assets so valuable to the U.S. that any destruction of them would directly affect our nation’s security and welfare of its citizens (Department of Homeland Security, 2016). It assets consist of 16 sectors ranging from energy production to food, water, and transportation (cite). Any one of those sectors is just as important as the other, however, how we protect them and how high risk of a target they are is another thing. The Department of Homeland Security by primary jurisdiction protects our transportation assets with TSA, Transportation Security Administration, Border Patrol, Customs and Immigration, and the United States Coast Guard. On the other hand, departments in Homeland Defense are involved in protecting others, such as Cyber Security and nuclear assets. Together, Homeland Security and homeland defense departments (DOD), work together in protecting the critical infrastructure of the United States. As these operations advance and move forward, more and more we find ourselves dependent on technology to conduct theses missions. Due to this, our Cyber and Energy sectors are raised in high value targets due to being a focal point in our daily operations. Even our military has become very dependent on technology in the field. Because of this dependence, it is my opinion that we stand back and implement or consider how to operate our security measures in an effective manner without such dependence. For example, topographic maps, don’t laugh, a new breed of solider is getting lost each and every day when the GPS goes down. Alternate communication, standing orders and coordination along with infrastructure drills for these departments. Don’t get me wrong, from my research the Department of Homeland Security sticks true to its primary missions and daily operations and I personally don’t see too many weaknesses. I do see the treats, but my only concern is the operation without such dependency on new technology. I don’t however see too many vulnerabilities that the departments have not addressed or planning to address. References Department of Homeland Security. (2002). The Department Of Homeland Security. Washington D.C.: Department of Homeland Security. Department of Homeland Security. (2016, October 09). Critical Infrastructure Sectors. Retrieved from Department of Homeland Security: https://www.dhs.gov/critical-infrastructure-sectors Goss, T. (2006, Aril). "Who's in Charge?" New Challenges in Homeland Defense and Homeland Security. Retrieved from Homeland Security Affairs: https://www.hsaj.org/articles/173 Homeland Security. (2010). Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Report. Washington D.C.: Homeland Security. Homeland Security National Prepardness Task Force. (2006). Civil Defense and Homeland Security: A Short Story on National Prepardness Efforts. Washington D.C.: Department of Homeland Security. Marrs, J. (2011). The Terror Conspiracy Revised. New York: Disinformation Company.
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 directly relates to the National Incident Management System and the National Response Framework. In fact, it directly correlates with their missions. HSPD-5 was the directive that needed to start things in motion; NIMS and the NRF are the aftermath of the directive. With the formation of NIMS and soon after the NRF, America can operate successfully under one national manage...
Following the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, the Unites States found itself in a search for answers and revenge against those that had brought about this atrocity. The attack that has been compared to that of Pearl-Harbor elevated the tracking and collecting of terrorism from barely a priority, to the forefront of the American radar. I honestly believe that terrorism as the #1 priority is destined to remain at the top for the foreseeable future. The elemental thoughts on almost all American minds following the attacks were who had the strength and capability to could carry out such an attack on a country with the world’s strongest military and what led to their focus to attack the Untied States: In short, who attacked us, and why do they hate us? The Untied States formed a bi-partisan 9/11 Commission was formed to trace the roots of Al-Qa’ida, investigate the history of the 19 hijackers, examine missed opportunities of law enforcement officials to avert the disaster, and make recommendations to clean up the faulty incoherent intelligence-gathering operation. The 500+ page 9/11 Commission Report contained thirteen chapters of historical narratives, analysis and recommendations. All ten members of the bi-partisan commission signed off on the report, which has arguably become a national historical document. Just as the 9/11 Commission was created to find answers and recommend necessary follow steps to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself, Lawrence Wright sought answers as to why 3000 American lives were lost in the attacks on September 11th. An experienced traveler to the region, Lawrence Wright endeavored to do his own investigative study into the history, ideology and circumstances behind this large-...
September 11, 2001, is a day that will go down in history and never be forgotten. On this day in time, Islamic terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York City, as well as The Pentagon building in Washington, D.C. The terrorists, who were affiliated with Al Qaeda, were led by the one and only, Osama Bin Laden. Nine days after this devastating attack on our country, President George W. Bush addressed Congress with an unplanned State of the Union address. Bush used great amounts of tragedy with a direct vital tone to deliver a very important message. Ultimately, this message would reach out to the American people as a whole, not only for remembrance of the people who lost their lives, but also as a plan of action for what would lie ahead.
Chapter 1-3 showed the beginnings of homeland security and the expansion and growth of Homeland Security. Chapter 4 shows the actions of homeland security, and the steps they take toward a problem to access it. The DHS above all needs to realized and understand how to address an attack quickly and efficiently, and have counter measure put into place beforehand. The DHS must be able to access the risks of any situation, and must decipher the potential hazard the situation could cause. When looking at the many functions of the DHS, nothing could be more important than the ability to understand or hinder or stop an attack man made or not. First Homeland Security studies the nature of the risk; this means that they study what is likely to happen in a certain situation. The texted explains risk as what can go wrong. A cigarette smoker takes a risk every time he lights up, and everyone take a risk when getting into a car. The DHS takes what they know from prior circumstances to determine the reality of the risk; the department must also anticipate any attack even without prior knowledge to the circumstance. The main questions of risk assessment are easy to understand, questions like will people be injured or harmed. But when looking at chapter 1 which asks the reader to look further into why terrorist commit terrorism, that’s when its easier to see the DHS skill at risk assessment. For example if you understand that a terrorist attack could be coming from radical Islamist terrorist; then you would understand a risk by understanding their motive behind the attack like their religious holidays. The DHS uses a three-fold method for risk assessment and they are threat, vulnerability and consequence. The Rand organization uses th...
How does the creation of the Department of Homeland Security affect resources traditionally designated for local criminal justice organizations?
After the fear of terrorism grew in the United States do to the Al Qaeda 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, the US Government found a need for a centralized department that umbrellas all other agencies when it comes to homeland security. The U.S. Government found this umbrella agency with the passage of the Homeland Security Act by Congress in November 2002, the Department of Homeland Security formally came into being as a stand-alone, Cabinet-level department to further coordinate and unify national homeland security efforts. (Homeland Security) With the creation of the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the government had a pinpoint location for the collection and gathering of intelligence, control of policies that effect national security, and a no fail mission. The Department of Homeland Security started to engulf other agencies and created many more, a total of 22 agencies now fall under the DHS. The DHS is control of all areas that deal with national security which included but are not limited to coastal and boarder protection, domestic terrorism, international terrorism, protection of the American people, protection of key infrastructure, protection of key resources and respond to natural disasters.
Homeland security is an American measure to ensure the security of the country. It is the national effort to ensure safety, security, and strength against terrorism and other issues, The goals of homeland security is to which will minimise the vulnerability of the U.S. to terrorism, and reduce the number of damages to the country.
After September eleventh, President George W. Bush signed a congressional bill to create a department of Homeland Security. This department examines the levels of security risk at airports, ship ports, railway stations, and other public transportation locations. Both candidates Bush and Kerry agree that homeland security is a priority. Furthermore, the candidates have stated that it is essential to provide the American people with a strong common defense. For example, “both pledge to have the government spend more money to furnish first-responders-the police and firefighters who are the first to arrive on the scene of an accident or an attack-with the materials and equipment they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability” (David Dulio). The recent war in Iraq has divided the candidates on how to carry out the plan on homeland security. Bush believes that we must take a protective approach in Iraq to prevent further terrorist damage to the United States. Kerry on the other hand believes that the United States must seek international support in Iraq to insure safety at home and abroad.
September 11, 2001 was one of the most devastating and horrific events in the United States history. Americans feeling of a secure nation had been broken. Over 3,000 people and more than 400 police officers and firefighters were killed during the attacks on The World Trade Center and the Pentagon; in New York City and Washington, D.C. Today the term terrorism is known as the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives (Birzer, Roberson). This term was clearly not defined for the United States for we had partial knowledge and experience with terrorist attacks; until the day September 11, 2001. At that time, President George W. Bush, stated over a televised address from the Oval Office, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” President Bush stood by this statement for the United States was about to retaliate and change the face of the criminal justice system for terrorism.
In the decade since the September 11th attacks, the government has taken giant steps to protect the nation from terrorists, spending eye-popping sums to smarten up the federal bureaucracy, hunt down enemies, strengthen airline security, secure U.S. borders, reshape America’s image and more. What would undoubtedly shake the nation resulted in a slew of acronyms born out of Homeland Security; TSA (Transportation Security Administration), DNI (Director of National Intelligence), DHS (Department of Homeland Security), NCTC (National Counterterrorism Center), CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), NSI (National Security Institute) and ICE (Immigrations and Custom Environment). In an attempt to avoid any future 9/11 repeats, the way in which
The DHS has demonstrated great leadership but lacked the necessity to create effective affiliations in communicating and utilizing information, which like seen in 9/11 dramatically affected the outcome and security of the country. “The Department of Homeland Security, has poorly positioned themselves to receive intelligence from the intelligence community agencies because it does not do intelligence collection on its own and hence will have nothing to trade” (DHS, 2016). Since then, DOJ. FBI, DNI, CIA, and other federal agencies like the DHS have increased their channels of intelligence and their means of communication with one another. This has led to an increase of arrests made towards Americans on terrorism related
The concept of homeland security has developed over the last decade. Homeland security as a concept was precipitated by the terrorist attacks of 9/11. However, prior to 9/11 such entities as the Gilmore Commission and the United States Commission on National Security discussed the need to evolve the way national security policy was conceptualized due to the end of the Cold War and the rise of radicalized terrorism. After 9/11, policymakers concluded that a new approach was needed to address the large-scale terrorist attacks. A presidential council and department were established, and a series of presidential directives were issued in the name of “homeland security.” These developments established that homeland security was a distinct, but undefined
Homeland security is the way Americans put forth the effort to ensure the homeland is safe, secure, and stands firm against terrorist acts and other hazard that could put the health and welfare of the American people. The mission of the Homeland Security is to prevent terrorism, secure and protect our open borders, uphold all immigration laws, safeguard and secure cyberspace, and be content and resilient when it pertains to disasters.
The first area is the Department of Homeland Security’s mission. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created in 2002 by the Homeland Security Act. In 2003 the DHS started their operations. The DHS primary responsibilities and objectives includes prevention, protection, and response to issues that threaten national security. There are five core missions that define the DHS: Managing and securing our nation’s borders, strengthening security initiatives to help prevent terrorism, administering and enforcing the nation’s immigration laws, ensuring that the nation can rebound fast and or prevent disasters, and ensuring the internet is secure by instituting safeguards that protect the nation against cyber-attacks. (TWH, 2003)
Terrorism will happen again regardless of how prepared the U.S. thinks it may be. This means that it is the country’s job to ensure that there is a continuation of measures that should be taken to fight against terrorism. Others believe that the U.S. is fully prepared for another terrorist attack and that enough has been done. The question at hand is, should the U.S. still be concerned about terrorism. The United States needs to be concerned about terrorism to prevent tragedies like 9/11 from happening again, to address problems with domestic terrorism, and to improve homeland security.