Background:

The original homeland security strategy for the United States came in the aftermath of the events of 9/11. Even though there was supposed chatter of potential terrorist attacks, later revelations over the years have determined that elements of the Bush administration ignored warnings, including some that were far more detailed than previously revealed.

The first strategy was just a beginning to develop and institute bold and necessary steps to protect the United States from further terrorist attacks. Since this time, the United States government has developed and published other strategies: 2006 National Strategy for Combatting Terrorism; 2007 National Strategy for Homeland Security; 2018 National Strategy for Counterterrorism to name just a few. With the change of political climates, presidential administrations, and current threat analysis against the United States, new and shifting strategies will come into play.

Question:
The last United States National Strategy for Homeland Security was published in 2002, that is almost 18 years old. Much has changed over the years and some challenges remain the same. The strategy’s objectives of homeland security in order of priority are to: prevent terrorist attacks within the United States; reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism; and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do occur. Furthermore, they articulate six critical mission areas to accomplish this formidable task. Identify which critical mission area is the most important to protect the homeland and why?

Required:

• Post a substantive initial response (300 words minimum not including citations) to the initial discussion question.
• Your posts must be based on factual academic information (not personal opinion) supported with citations to at least two (2) academic references in addition to the course materials.
• This is to demonstrate that you read and understood the assigned readings and all prior postings by the instructor and other students.
• Please use the correct APA format in citing any source material you use. Refer to the APA Manual link posted in the Discussion area

Required reading / Course material:

• Week #3 Lecture Notes
• PDF – The USA PATRIOT Act- Preserving Life and Liberty
• PDF – SUMMARY OF INTELLIGENCE REFORM AND TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2004
• PDF – THE DHS STRATEGIC PLAN Fiscal Years 2020-2024
• PDF – 2002 National Strategy for Homeland Security
• PDF – 2007 National Strategy for Homeland Security

Optional Material(s):

• 15 years after 9/11, how has national security changed? https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-research/policy-topics/international-relations-security/15-years-after-911-how-has-national
• Congressional Research Service Reports on Homeland Security https://fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/index.html
• A New DHS for a New Age https://www.dhs.gov/news/2019/03/18/new-dhs-new-age
• Home and Away: DHS and the Threats to America https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/04/18/home-and-away-dhs-and-threats-america