2 forum responses 150 words each apa format use citaions:
1. Justin Bennett
Terrorism is one of the six strategic risk that is found in the 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review. Ever since the catastrophic events that occurred on September 11, 2001, the entire outlook on terrorism has changed and the security of the nation is ever changing to fulfill terrorist tactics. According to the 2014 QHSR, the terrorist threat is evolving and remains significant as attack planning and operations become more decentralized (2014). On that note, United States critical infrastructure has always been a major target towards terrorism. It is essential that it is protected at all times. The nation's critical infrastructure is extremely vital to the country. "Critical Infrastructure" is defined as "systems and assets, whether physical or virtual, so vital to the United States that the incapacity or destruction of such systems and assets would have a debilitating impact on the security, national economic security, national health or safety, or any combination of those matters (DHS 2013).If the terrorist threat is not handled properly at the national level, there will be severe consequences.
To begin with, the majority of critical infrastructure is owned by the private sector but it is the job of the federal, state, local, and private sectors to all collaborate to achieve the goal and remain resilient against terrorist activity. Terrorist activity has major impacts on the country in a general sense and an even greater impact against critical infrastructure. Some of the major consequences at the national level would include physical, psychological, economical issues within the country. The physical consequences would include the damage against the infrastructures that where struck and the innocent citizens who may of possibly been killed by the terrorist. Further, the psychological consequences would include those who were impacted by the terrorist attack ranging from the people who were actually at the scene, the family members of the attacked individuals, the critical infrastructure employees, the government officials dealing with the situation and many more. Moving on, economic consequences can impact the entire nation as well depending on the amount of physical damage done and which critical infrastructure was impacted. In addition, an attack one of the nation's critical infrastructure assets can impact other critical infrastructure. For instance, if the Energy Sector is taken out, the Communications sector may have problems along with the Financial Sector because both of those sectors need the resources provided by the Energy Sector.
In my opinion, I believe the risk of terrorist attacks are being adequately addressed. The reason why I believe so is there hasn't been a successful major terrorist attack as catastrophic as 9/11 since that day. Yes, there has been several lone wolf attacks that have succeeded but those are extremely hard to stop due to its unpredictability. Overall, the majority off attacks that have been planned are put to a stop prior to it being carried out.
Department of Homeland Security. (2013). National infrastructure protection plan (NIPP), partnering for critical infrastructure security and resilience. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
References:
Department of Homeland Security (2014). 2014 Quadrennial homeland security review. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
2. Jay Mattice
Security is a fundamental aspect that poses a great challenge to all nations across the globe mainly owing to the rising numbers of terrorist groups. In this regard, the United States has authorized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to monitor and counteract any terrorist attacks (Reese, 2012). The DHS works in cooperation with other government agencies such as U.S. Secret Service (USSS), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) among others to fulfill their mandate. These agencies carry out five primary homeland security missions, namely stopping terrorism and promoting security, managing and securing borders, administering and enforcing U.S. migration laws, strengthening national resilience and preparedness, and safeguarding and securing cyberspace. Irrefutably, effective homeland security measures remain essential since the inadequate address of security concerns lead to adverse consequences for the entire nation.
Radiological, nuclear, chemical, and biological threats are significant areas of panic. These attacks result into severe fallouts although the possibility of such incidences is moderately small. However, the probability of occurrence of small-scale chemical attacks is more probable owing to the accessibility of toxic industrial chemicals and little knowledge necessary to execute such attacks. While fabricating nuclear weapons is difficult, the use of improvised nuclear devices increases the homeland security risk (The Department of Homeland Security, 2014). These types of attacks are always fatal when they occur and cost the federal government a substantial amount of capital to lessen their severity. For instance, the September 11 attack in the United States claimed lives of many people and destroyed various infrastructures. Arguably, this attack proved to the world how nuclear explosions could be lethal. Additionally, terrorist attacks thwart people's peace and most importantly disrupt the federal authorities' operations.
In addition, the advancement in technology poses a risk to the homeland security. The world has become interconnected with digital communication infrastructure, which helps in disseminating information within a fraction of a minute. As a result, cyberspace has become a fundamental part of Americans' daily life. Unfortunately, malicious groups continue to exploit technological vulnerabilities thus increasing security risks (Dale, 2014). These actors aim to steal trade secrets, personal information about citizens, and sensitive data from government agencies and businesses. While several companies make cyber security a central aspect of their business risk management, most of the public-sector entities and small firms face personnel and financial constraints in meeting this end. Therefore, the majority of the companies suffer losses because of frauds and other cybercrimes thus jeopardizing efforts to enhance homeland security. The losses also adversely affect the United States economy through reduced taxes.
Climate change and its related trends also incidentally act as security risk multipliers. For example, poverty, social tensions, and environmental degradation compel people to migrate to the United States. This recurrent, short-term, and disaster-driven immigration exposes America to violence and terrorist activities especially when more intense storms and high temperatures disrupt power systems and telecommunications (The Department of Homeland Security, 2014). The United States uses a substantial amount of money to prepare, respond, and recover from such occurrences. Indeed, the violent extremists have presently portrayed a persistent interest in advancing improvised explosive devices as well as the techniques to shirk security measures. Therefore, weather-related events make America vulnerable to attacks because terrorists usually seek to exploit such loopholes.
In my opinion, the United States has adequately addressed the issue of homeland security threat. Various federal agencies and departments such as Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Homeland Security (GHS), and the Department of Human and Health Services (HHS) among others, which are mandated with the role of enhancing homeland security, have been efficient and comprehensive in fulfilling their obligation. Indeed, the intelligence community conducts exhaustive research in their operations to avoid a repeat of the September 11 attack. Arguably, the ability of the security teams to remain vigilant and gather adequate information to predict the attacks has been pivotal in ensuring a peaceful America. Importantly, all security departments work in collaboration to ensure efficient and effective communications in combating terrorism. In conclusion, there may be loopholes in homeland security operations, but it is beyond a reasonable doubt that security teams are presently using every mean possible to counteract malicious groups' efforts and to guarantee a safe environment for all.
References
Dale, C. (2014). The 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) and Defense Strategy: Issues for Congress. Washington: Congressional Research Service.
Reese, S. (2012). Defining Homeland Security: Analysis and Congressional Considerations. Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.
The Department of Homeland Security. (2014). The 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review: hearing before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, second session, June 20, 2014 (United States., Congress., House.).