The Effectiveness Of Transnational Terrorism

Land of liberty, land of opportunity and melting pot – all phrases used to describe the United States and key reasons immigrants from around the world continue to flock to the United States in search of the quintessential American dream. Even with all of the potential opportunities, the United States, like any other country, has domestic challenges. From natural disasters, economic struggles, criminal activity, civil rights issues, terrorism, and others, the U.S. Government department and agency employees work every day to ensure that Americans live in a safe and secure environment. On September 11, 2001 (9/11), one of the largest transnational terrorist attacks in history rocked the United States and her people on American Soil. This attack

domestic presence. This includes groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram, which attempt to recruit and influence immigrant populations living in the United States. This essay highlights a strategy to defeat and reduce the effectiveness of transnational terrorist groups operating domestically by addressing three primary areas of interest. These areas of interest include: 1. How the DOD and USNORTHCOM can leverage liaisons, joint exercises, and strategic partnerships to effectively collaborate with partner agencies to avoid inefficiencies while achieving unity of purpose and unity of command, 2. How the DOD and USNORTHCOM should organize and operate to defeat or deter transnational terrorist groups and 3. How the DOD can adhere to the Posse Comitatus Act while still making value-added contributions with the capabilities of the U.S. military

Representatives from outside agencies and foreign partners are necessary within the USNORTHCOM Headquarters. Similarly, USNORTHCOM must station liaisons within partner’s headquarters and at key areas of operation to maximize their benefit. Facilitation of information sharing is critical for the success. Processes and procedures, as well as memorandums of agreement to ensure data sharing is as widely available and transparent as possible must include the ability to appropriately classify intelligence, provide confidentiality and privacy when necessary, and protect law enforcement information to prevent the compromise of ongoing investigations and personnel. These liaison networks will facilitate sharing of appropriate information between DOD, USNORTHCOM, and interagency partners as part of the larger counterterrorism effort as well as expedite execution of the USNORTHCOM Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) following a terrorist attack or other significant