Understanding Homeland Security

Understanding Homeland Security
John E. Peters

Seminar Introduction

After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, President Bush took the unusual step of creating a new Cabinet-rank agency, Office of Homeland Security. For years policy experts have been arguing for a more comprehensive homeland security plan in order to more effectively fight terrorism in the US and abroad, but little had been done about implementing such a plan.

Based on excerpts from the 2000 RAND publication, Preparing the US Army for Homeland Security: Concepts, Issues and Options, this seminar explains the basic issues and components of homeland security and provides background information on the roles the various government agencies play regarding security and terrorism issues. RAND analysts Eric V. Larson and John E. Peters explore what is needed to create a comprehensive and effective homeland security system and provide the analytical tools for the public to evaluate whether the government is creating a viable homeland security system.

Learning Objectives

Describe the main trends and factors that contribute to the need for homeland security.
Define homeland security.
Explain the constitutional and legal context for having the US Army play a dominant role in homeland security.
Outline task areas that need to be addressed in order to create a comprehensive homeland security system.
List the key elements at the federal and local levels in ensuring continuity of government in times of crisis.
Compare and contrast the Army's role with potential problems of military involvement in times of domestic crisis.

Sessions

Session 1	Issues in Homeland Security
Session 2	Context, Strategy and Task Areas
Session 3	Congressional Action, Public Attitudes and Task Areas
Session 4	Times of Crisis: Ensuring Government Continuity in Emergencies
Session 5	Creating Effective Homeland Security
Contributors

Credits

Homeland security encompasses five distinct missions: domestic preparedness and civil support in case of attacks on civilians, continuity of government, continuity of military operations, border and coastal defense, and national missile defense. This report extensively details four of those mission areas (national missile defense having been covered in great detail elsewhere).

Preparing the US Army for Homeland Security: Concepts, Issues and Options
Eric V. Larson, John E. Peters
Paperback (2000)

Technical Requirements

To appreciate this seminar experience, it is critical that you have the appropriate software, plug-ins, and network connections. Please take the time to download the latest versions of the plug-ins mentioned below if you do not already have them.

Browser: Netscape versions 4.x up to 4.76, or Internet Explorer versions 4.x or later. Your browser must be JavaScript-enabled and must be set to accept cookies.
Network Connection: The recommended minimum connection is 56Kbps with a throughput of 34Kbps or more. A faster connection is encouraged to take better advantage of the media elements in the seminar.