A Few Thoughts on Homeland Security
Abstract
The asymmetrical terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001(911) on the homeland of the United States have awakened a sleeping giant and forced us to react. Gone are the times when United States superpower status protected the homeland. The United States is now more involved in international affairs than ever before. This involvement, treaties, policies and media perceptions have resulted in the alienation of other nations, non-state actors and groups who can only attack the United States by asymmetric means including terrorism. The United States now is involved in coalition warfare, has activated over 80,000 reservists and guardsmen. The country enacted new security measures. These attacks and the resultant actions have cost hundreds of billions of dollars and significantly impacted the economy. The terrorist attacks have proven a magnet for international cooperation and provide both challenges and opportunities. This paper will examine homeland security structure, policy and DoD Pre-911, Post-911, and propose a way ahead in each area. Within this context, the following areas are addressed: organizing to fight terrorism for the long term; collecting and sharing information (interagency processes); leveraging technology; training and educating Americans; aggressive retaliation, apprehension and prosecution of terrorists and their sponsors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA404697
Entities
People
- Rick Fink
Organizations
- United States Army War College