Protecting America: Reorganizing the Nation's Security Forces to Ensure the Protection of Our Critical Infrastructure
Abstract
President George W. Bush addressed the threat of terrorism against our nation and the world by creating the National Strategy for Homeland Security. This national strategy amplified the significant responsibilities of states, localities, the private sector, and private citizens to protect and defend our communities and our critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks. The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks demonstrated the negative impact such actions can have on the global economy. The terrorists clearly recognized that the strength of the United States rested firmly on its economic power and its ability to generate military power. Realistically and symbolically attacking the World Trade Center, the symbol of U.S. leadership as an economic power, and the Pentagon, the hub of our military power, revealed weaknesses in the strongest nation in the world. The realization that there were capable threats within the United States that were working to destroy the very nature of our society as it existed heightened the need for a National Strategy for the defense of our homeland. Our Federalist system of government focuses on sharing power between the states and federal institutions. The success of homeland security efforts hinges greatly on the expertise and commitment of state and local agencies to execute homeland security measures. According to the National Strategy for Homeland Security, "state and local agencies have primary responsibility for funding, preparing, and operating the emergency services that would respond in the event of terrorist attack." However, it is clear that states and localities cannot do it alone. The Department of Homeland Security was established to provide greater accountability over the critical homeland security mission and to provide unity of purpose among the agencies responsible. This paper examines flaws in the current organization of military security forces to protect the American homeland. (4 tables, 22 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 19, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA424405
Entities
People
- Herman Williams Iii
Organizations
- United States Army War College