Homeland Security

HOMELAND SECURITY 1

HomelandSecurity

HomelandSecurity

Securityis a fundamental aspect that poses a great challenge to all nationsacross the globe mainly owing to the rising numbers of terroristgroups. In this regard, the United States has authorized theDepartment of (DHS) to monitor and counteract anyterrorist attacks (Reese, 2012). The DHS works in cooperation withother 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 fiveprimary homeland security missions, namely stopping terrorism andpromoting security, managing and securing borders, administering andenforcing U.S. migration laws, strengthening national resilience andpreparedness, and safeguarding and securing cyberspace. Irrefutably,effective homeland security measures remain essential since theinadequate address of security concerns lead to adverse consequencesfor the entire nation.

Radiological,nuclear, chemical, and biological threats are significant areas ofpanic. These attacks result into severe fallouts although thepossibility of such incidences is moderately small. However, theprobability of occurrence of small-scale chemical attacks is moreprobable owing to the accessibility of toxic industrial chemicals andlittle knowledge necessary to execute such attacks. While fabricatingnuclear weapons is difficult, the use of improvised nuclear devicesincreases the homeland security risk (The Department of HomelandSecurity, 2014). These types of attacks are always fatal when theyoccur and cost the federal government a substantial amount of capitalto lessen their severity. For instance, the September 11 attack inthe United States claimed lives of many people and destroyed variousinfrastructures. Arguably, this attack proved to the world hownuclear explosions could be lethal. Additionally, terrorist attacksthwart people’s peace and most importantly disrupt the federalauthorities’ operations.

Inaddition, the advancement in technology poses a risk to the homelandsecurity. The world has become interconnected with digitalcommunication infrastructure, which helps in disseminatinginformation within a fraction of a minute. As a result, cyberspacehas become a fundamental part of Americans’ daily life.Unfortunately, malicious groups continue to exploit technologicalvulnerabilities thus increasing security risks (Dale, 2014). Theseactors aim to steal trade secrets, personal information aboutcitizens, and sensitive data from government agencies and businesses.While several companies make cyber security a central aspect of theirbusiness risk management, most of the public sector entities andsmall firms face personnel and financial constraints in meeting thisend. Therefore, the majority of the companies suffer losses becauseof frauds and other cybercrimes thus jeopardizing efforts to enhancehomeland security. The losses also adversely affect the United Stateseconomy through reduced taxes.

Climatechange and its related trends also incidentally act as security riskmultipliers. For example, poverty, social tensions, and environmentaldegradation compel people to migrate to the United States. Thisrecurrent, short-term, and disaster-driven immigration exposesAmerica to violence and terrorist activities especially when moreintense storms and high temperatures disrupt power systems andtelecommunications (The Department of , 2014). TheUnited States uses a substantial amount of money to prepare, respond,and recover from such occurrences. Indeed, the violent extremistshave presently portrayed a persistent interest in advancingimprovised explosive devices as well as the techniques to shirksecurity measures. Therefore, weather-related events make Americavulnerable to attacks because terrorists usually seek to exploit suchloopholes.

Inmy opinion, the United States has adequately addressed the issue ofhomeland security threat. Various federal agencies and departmentssuch as Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of (GHS), and the Department of Human and HealthServices (HHS) among others, which are mandated with the role ofenhancing homeland security, have been efficient and comprehensive infulfilling their obligation. Indeed, the intelligence communityconducts exhaustive research in their operations to avoid a repeat ofthe September 11 attack. Arguably, the ability of the security teamsto remain vigilant and gather adequate information to predict theattacks has been pivotal in ensuring a peaceful America. Importantly,all security departments work in collaboration to ensure efficientand effective communications in combating terrorism. In conclusion,there may be loopholes in homeland security operations, but it isbeyond a reasonable doubt that security teams are presently usingevery mean possible to counteract malicious groups’ efforts and toguarantee a safe environment for all.

References

Dale, C. (2014). The 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) andDefense Strategy: Issues for Congress. Washington: CongressionalResearch Service.

Reese, S. (2012). Defining : Analysis andCongressional Considerations. Congressional Research Service, Libraryof Congress.

The Department of . (2014). The 2014 Quadrennial Review: hearing before the Subcommittee onOversight and Management Efficiency of the Committee on HomelandSecurity, House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress,second session, June 20, 2014 (United States., Congress.,House.).