Power Point

American National Security

A matter that is currently being debated about the American national security involves fighting domestic terrorism. In the recent decade, cases of attacks by domestic terrorist attacks have greatly increased. It is so frightening for most of the American citizens; this is due to the fact that a terrorist could be living just next door. Domestic terrorist is not different from other groups of people; they are as regular as other citizens only that they have so much hate and they also fight for their personal reasons. There are quite a number of factors that cause domestic terrorism. Some of them are the outcomes of humanmade and natural disasters, the fear that terrorists will reach to you, cultural and religious differences, gender diversity, prejudice and political differences. By taking a look at the physical and psychological implications of domestic terrorist, an understanding can be gained of what exactly made these factors act, to begin with.

Tactics by a terrorist could be as easy as a bomb that is homemade and also as sophisticated like a well organized cyber attack or a biological threat. As a way to address domestic terrorism, two competing, intelligence-driven and risk-based solutions have been employed by the DHS; they include sharing of information and expansion of training. The most preferred method is information sharing since it utilizes the multi-layered detection system that focuses on enhancing targets movements; this assists in preventing dangerous people and threats at the earliest stage.

Information is efficiently shared when it is delivered on time, at whichever time it is actionable, and it increases the homeland security enterprise value which is essential for the protection of the United States. From a different perspective, the method in which the DHS offers information to other partners has been altered through the removal of the old version of the alert system that was color-coded and introduced the Advisory System of National Terrorism. This offers detailed and timely data on threats that are credible by terrorists and the recommended measures of security. By means of the 77 designated fusion centers, the analytical capability has been enhanced thus resulting in capabilities of information sharing that are unprecedented at the local and state levels.

The DHS and officials at the federal government have successfully thwarted numerous plots by terrorists, they include the New York Subway attempted bombings, and air cargo foiled attacks, among other attempts within the country. With the ongoing homegrown attacks in the United States, this has demonstrated the manner in which citizens and officials in charge should remain prepared and vigilant. The federal, state and local officers have also played a major role in the enforcement of various issues within the critical homeland security so as to offer the individuals on the lines in the front with tools and information required to handle issues facing the communities.

The federal government also works hand in hand with the nuclear, countering radiological, biological threats which need an organized approach. Through the office of the Domestic Nuclear Detection, the DHS works together with agencies in the state, federal, and local governments in order to deter attacks that involve radiological weapons through legal programs. The Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T), Agency of Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) and the Health Affairs Office (OHA), also issue scientific, medical, and other technical expertise that provides biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological support, preparedness and feedback efforts.

References

Richards, A. (2015). Conceptualizing Terrorism. Oxford, United Kingdom New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Nelles, W. (2003). Comparative education, terrorism, and human security: from critical pedagogy to peacebuilding. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.