Whole of Government Approach to Countering Domestic IEDs: Leveraging Military Capabilities
Abstract
Law enforcement authorities, together with the intelligence community, have been successful in thwarting many recently attempted IED attacks targeting the United States. However, the potential for a sustained IED campaign against our nation remains. Considering that the means available to respond to domestic IEDs have grown considerably with Homeland Security grants, the issuance of Homeland Security Presidential Directive-19, and the recent expansion of military counter-IED capabilities, we have a responsibility to optimize these resources to provide our nation with the best possible response. Moreover, current fiscal constraints demand a more efficient use of our ample resources in this critical area of vulnerability. Shortfalls in current law, military doctrine, organizational structure, training, and information sharing protocols are preventing an optimized and united, or "whole of government" approach to addressing this threat as called for in HSPD-19 and the National Security Strategy. This paper explores these shortfalls and recommends several solutions. Chief among them is establishment of a DoD counter-IED Joint Task Force (JTF) headquarters to facilitate improved response, training, and sharing of information from military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) forces in support of civil law enforcement authorities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 29, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA593378
Entities
People
- Geoffrey D. Stevens
Organizations
- Syracuse University