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Department of Homeland Security

As a final comment, it is important to remember that the crea�on of the Department of Homeland Security happened in a very short �me frame within the bureaucra�c world of the US government. With the crea�on of most any en�ty, there are bound to be areas that did not come together quite right at its crea�on. If one were to look at the Department of Defense, it is s�ll evolving and developing connec�ons that allow it to work more effec�vely as a team. In some cases, it has taken an act of Congress to get that change implemented, such as with the Goldwater- Nichols Act. In last week’s readings, you had the opportunity to examine areas that the Department of Homeland Security could improve on in the future. Former DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff (2008) observed that “To protect our na�on and infrastructure from dangerous people and cargo and respond effec�vely to disaster whey they occur, ensuring a truly cohesive and unified department opera�ng at full poten�al remains absolutely cri�cal. It is our final priority and none is more important” (para. 28). Take the �me to reflect on all that you have studied and read in this course as you con�nue to progress on your journey toward your degree in homeland security. One day you may find that it is you who has the ability to make the policies that define how homeland security is achieved and to determine how our Great Na�on stays safe and secure, while s�ll embracing the blessings of liberty afforded by the US Cons�tu�on.