Introduction to Homeland Security - Book Report/Review Example

Abstract All Americans form a part of the conglomerate body of nationhood. Within this body, homeland security is of paramount importance to survival. Internal and external, domestic and foreign, natural and man-made disasters stipulate a new infrastructure that can handle multi-tiered, high-tech, and high magnitude attack. In the U.S., the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has painstakingly developed a strong support system grounded in the coordinated efforts of several organizations. Past hazards, risks and attacks play a central role in the helping Americans and lawmakers learn preparedness, prevention and resistance. DHS connects diverse branches and boards together, constituting an indispensable corps from which Americans can draw strength and essential assistance in time of adversity. During the turbulent time of the pre- and post 9/11era, the homeland security was always a requirement which US administrations foresaw and initiated from early. Summary The Introduction to Homeland Security: Principles of All Hazards Risk Management (2013) delves into the concept, history, establishment and functioning of Homeland Security as a principle that flourished into an independent department servicing the American people. The text mainly takes into account the response mechanism to weaknesses and threats that seek to shake and undermine the stability. As a response mechanism to these risks, one sees the urgency of setting up structures that would reduce, repel and remedy these threats and risks. Out of this need, the concept of homeland security is born. Homeland security encompasses, “the intersection of evolving threats and hazards with traditional governmental and civic responsibilities for civil defense, emergency response, law enforcement, customs, border control and immigration” (Bullock 2013). As a result, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) calls to arms several entities inclusive of territorial, tribal, federal, state, county governments and NGOs such as private, multinational companies, communities to support national security. FEMA is marked as the great grandfather of homeland security seeing that the organization stemmed from the government’s determination to respond to natural and unnatural or man-made disasters including terrorism and aid in resistance and restoration. Acceded to by Congress since 1803, FEMA is endowed with the power to avert danger and protect the homeland. Due to its early beginnings in homeland security, FEMA has been drafted into the DHS assisting in disaster preparedness, prevention and emergency responses. Historic calamities and terrorist attacks previous to 2001 befalling America challenge the emergency management infrastructure of homeland security and confirm the case for a homeland security department. Legislation is a key enabler of homeland security as various laws have been enacted in gradual progression until the development of the department of homeland security. Passing new laws compose “the legislative, organizational and operational underpinnings of America’s homeland security structure” (Bullock 2013)Presidential directives 62 & 63, the Nunn Lugar Domenici Act, the Homeland Security Presidential Directives 1-21, the PATRIOT Act of 2001, form of the legislative conglomerate of the DHS. In addition, since 1988 to 2007 the importance of statutory authority relative to DHS is evidenced. The outcomes of some of these legislations lead to the rise of investigative bodies into terrorism such as the 9/11 Commission, the Gilmore Commission, the Bremer Commission, the Joint Inquiry of the House and Senate Intelligence, Committees, and the Hart-Rudman Commission. The poignancy of the critical moment demands a comprehensive remake and reorganization of US departments coming to terms with increased need to defend and protect. Although the DHS owes its existence to the 911 terrorist attack in 2001through the Homeland Security Act of 2002, by no means is counterterrorism its primary attribute. As a multi-organizational, multi-tiered organism, twenty two distinct agencies unify to become the Department of Homeland Security branches such as preparedness/response and recovery, immigration, transportation, and cybersecurity comprise homeland security. Preventative measures are core to homeland security; as such mitigation, prevention and preparedness programs against various types of disasters and attacks are engineered and executed. Security, resilience and customs and exchange are the fundamental concepts of homeland security on which its economy is based. Several sub-divisional offices, advisory committees and councils meet the weighty responsibility of the DHS. Knowing the DHS through its member bodies clarifies as to its purposes, roles, and functions as it responds to hazards. Homeland security tackles two main types of hazards: natural and man-made (terrorist). . In this case, wild fires, mass movements such as land/mud slides, storms, droughts, and hurricanes are classified a threat to homeland security. On the other hand, man-made attacks instigate DHS’s antiterrorist action that aims at the prevention of terrorist-related hazards through chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive devices (CBRNE). As technologies advance, high-tech terrorism also advances in its capacity to endanger and kill large civilian populations so that DHS has to accommodate to keeping up with emerging CBRNE weapons, identifying vulnerabilities and discovering weapons of mass destruction. High tech intelligences exist to “disrupt criminal organizations and other malicious actors engaged in high consequence operations” (Bullock 2013). Science and technology units such as the Science and Technology Directorate, the Department of Defense and the Homeland Security Federal Research and Development, fulfill this mission. Cybersecurity secures sensitive databases and avert terrorists from attacking internet users. The DHS has a rich supply of intelligence units for example, the Central Intelligence Unit (CIA), the National Security Agency (NSA), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the Navy Intelligence, the Information Security and National Network Infrastructure Security (ISAC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Geospatial Agency (NGA) and others. Serving as specialized components in the war against terror, intelligences work alongside immigration, border and transport protection services checking and interposing the entry of foreign goods and persons. The DHS’s responsibility consists of securing US borders, preventing illegal immigration, illegal trade and promoting transportation safety on land, sea and air. New restrictions over ports of entry and tighter policies governing customs and exchange are some implementations in the effort to protect and secure borders. DHS “enables consular, border security, (as) immigration officers effectively verify the identity of incoming visitors” (Bullock 2013). Other subsidiaries of homeland security such as the transportation network and the transportation security and administration reinforce the same. Transportation safety and security is further buttressed by the services of the US Coast Guard, the US Customs and Border Protection, and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Description and explanation of strengths and weaknesses An observant eye discerns the strengths and weaknesses of the text. On one hand the strengths of the book is a model of good structure and organization, consistency, criticism and very pro-American/pro-government in its tone. Good structure/organization characterizes the text’s structure, centered firstly on homeland security as a concept, a principle arising from a need that has spanned centuries in the U.S. Each chapter represents a subdivision of parts undergirding the DHS. From the earliest period in the 1800s to 2011 and projecting into the future, the authors take a chronological journey of DHS. Traceable progression is realized through US history of calamity and attack, presidential responses, instituted organizations and administrative breakdown of the DHS and its functionaries. The text is also consistent with data on the DHS, hence showing solid accuracy and thorough research of events and policies. The text justifies its claim that it only provides information by way of introduction to homeland security to beginners. A chapter by chapter outline and glossary of key terms also prepare the reader for what he or she is going to read and convey the meanings behind the political jargon and acronyms used so that it really caters to the novice. The attempt at balance and objectivity are laudable in the text’s presentation of quantitative and qualitative data. At the end of each chapter, editors pose thought-provoking questions for both student and teacher. These questions urge independent thinking apart from the presented information and generate good discussion. Also, the other voice sections, culled from editorials, put forward another informed perspective so that students can weigh in on debates. As it explores the US Department of Homeland Security, the text assumes a pro-American and pro-government tone. This stance is advantageous because the target audience would be mostly Americans and those interested in American politics. Although different views are placed, it is all authors recognize that DHS is for the public good of Americans thus fomenting patriotism/ national pride and instilling identity values. On the other hand, some weaknesses defeat some of the objectives of the book. For an introduction, the text is too comprehensive and protracted on smaller details. In-depth information on minor components of the DHS such as response agencies, bureaucratic arms, legislations, policies and some statistical data are superfluous. Instead of an introduction, I believe that the text crossed that primary barrier and moved into intermediate. As a result, more conciseness, sparing minutiae, would enable readers to get straight to the point. In my opinion, comparative analysis is lacking in the text. A more international focus with the inspection of other nations’ homeland security history and protocols could be useful in adding more balance to the education material. With this addition, students would better understand the uniqueness or the uniformity of homeland security structures both at home and abroad. Conclusion, Recommendation and Value to Homeland Security In sum, the Introduction to Homeland Security: Principles of All Hazards Risk Management because of its meticulous detail can serve as a manual to the DHS for new recruits and employees into the department, allowing prospective students willing to enter the field the opportunity of first-hand information to in-depth acquaintance with the homeland security. It composes a vast knowledge database of US policy, procedure and politics. The text may also be useful as a point of reference for certain American history, American law and criminal justice courses. This text awakens and alerts Americans to possible hazards that can resurge anytime. Too often, the American lifestyle promotes a complacent attitude so that American people live in a bubble, unaware of lurking dangers. Media focus on consumerism, entertainment, pleasure and Hollywood are distractions, to a certain degree, of harsh realities. Attacks heightening in degree and frequency, international threats and domestic and external pressures will continue to occur therefore stripping away of ignorance and familiarity with preparedness will help in mitigating ruin and mortalities. Greater general sensitization would exponentially help in rescue efforts for people would know which channels to resort to for specialized assistance. Another reason why I would recommend this book is its inherent knowledge value. Acquainting Americans on the political workings of governmental regimes, the many ramifications and repercussions of the 911 attacks on the WTC stresses the fact that America would never be the same prior to the turn of the 21st century. Hazards have made their indelible mark on the country, pushing it to take offensive and defensive measures to protect the homeland and secure its resources. Written as a memorial to the 911 attacks, the text runs through a decade long of political action, spurred by both structural and economical instabilities. Natural and man-made risks and their wide scope of influence are palpable in modernity. Not only because of the wave of terrorism but because of the ever expanding effect of globalization. Politically, attacks have inspired fears in America as one observes in the text. Nevertheless, man still has the onus to put in place mechanisms to protect national interests and safeguard human resources. References: Bullock, J.A. Haddow, G.D. Coppola, D.P. (2013). Introduction to Homeland Security: Principles of All Hazards Risk Management, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann. Read More