Quandary 1 –Kilroy: Chapters 1, 3
After having read the assigned chapters and your own research what is the
current state of our overall homeland security apparatus? Are we on track,
off track, heading in the right or wrong direction? Why do think the way you
do? What do you see as our number one homeland security issue and why?
Does the Bible offer us guidance about homeland security in some way(s)?
Quandary 2 –Ramsay, Kiltz:Chapter 1(address only 1):
What should our drone policy be regarding counterterrorism use? Regarding
presidential declaration of disasters, what are your thoughts about
turndowns? Do you agree with turndowns or not? What criteria should be
used? Do you think it is ever political?
Quandary 1
Through the history of the United States, there have been many areas of influence that shaped
our national and international homeland security policies and procedures. We have seen multiple
wars and conflicts that occurred through the isolationism phase of the U.S, where we were
thrown into conflict with multiple foreign nations to assist in efforts abroad for the betterment of
the world. Currently, we face new threats and challenges from international and domestic issues
and organizations. One of the largest threats that we see today is that of international terrorism
and cyber terrorism from foreign countries. Moreover, the Department of Homeland Security
reported that racially motivated violent extremist organizations are a main focal point for the
nation to include potential attacks due to new COVID-19 variants that could greatly increase the
potential for attacks (National terrorism Advisory SYSTEM Bulletin, 2021). This comes at no
surprise, threats from abroad and domestically are of great significance to the U.S. We as a
nation look to protect our borders from all threats that we can see, but we tend to forget or
discredit those that we cannot visibly see. With the increasing effects of new variants of the
COVID-19 virus, we could potentially see an increase in terror attacks domestically against local
governments due to decreased staffing or increased infection rates. This could cause many issues
in the local governments, but nationally it would be on a small scale.
As far as moving in the right direction, we are way off course. With the increase of international
terrorist threats, immigration policies, threats of cyber terrorism, and other domestic and
international threats, we could potentially see an increase in some forms of attacks in the future.
Additionally, with the international issues that are occurring in Afghanistan and other
surrounding countries in that area, we will see an increase in terror attacks once the evacuation is
completed in Afghanistan (Losey, 2021). Furthermore, the most Homeland Security issue that
we can see is the threat of a coordinated attack by the use of cyber and direct means. We as a
nation tend to underestimate adversaries in a time of instability or war. We have done this many
times throughout our history. As a nation, we fail to use lessons learned from previous incidents
or wars to better prepare for potential threats within our borders or internationally. This could be
a greater issue or concern than we have to focus on right now to protect the nation from terrorism
attacks.
According to Christian viewpoints, Psalm 127 states “Unless the Lord builds the house, those
who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in
vain.” We are a nation that must understand and watch over all people to ensure that we are safe
and secure. We as normal everyday citizens do not have the ability to see threats from abroad or
are briefed on new threats from domestic organizations. Society looks to the government and the
DHS for our protection and information on ongoing threats and assessments of potential threats
within the borders.
Quandary 2: What should our drone policy be regarding counterterrorism use?
Since 2001, the U.S has been using Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAV’s) or Drones to conduct
concurrent operations in the Middle East and throughout the U.S. This does not come as a
surprise with the advancements in technology. The use of drones as it pertains to
counterterrorism should be to locate suspected terrorist organizations and perform surveillance
operations to include some airstrikes. Previously, the U.S has conducted drone strikes on
confirmed targets of terrorist activity but have also killed innocent civilians in these strikes as
well. Currently, we are seeing in society an increase in the use of drones to include those used for
commercial use and those being weaponized for use in terror organizations and attacks (Pledger,
2021). The policy that the U.S should use is to utilize drones in support of operations and to
target suspected terror organizations. According to Bible, “No temptation has overtaken you that
is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability,
but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it”
– 1 Corinthians 10:13. The rule to any battle is to know our enemy. The Bible is the sword of the
spirit where we put on the full armor of God and dive in.
Reference
Holy bible. (2011). . Zondervan.
Jackson, R., & Pisoiu, D. (2018). Are drones a useful counterterrorism tool? Contemporary
Debates on Terrorism, 198–210. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315679785-14
Losey, S. (2021, August 27). Isis Threats, Taliban “Red Line” against extension complicate
Afghanistan evacuation. Military.com.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/08/23/isis-threats-taliban-red-line-against-
extension-complicate-afghanistan-evacuation.html
National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin - August 13, 2021. National Terrorism Advisory
System Bulletin - August 13, 2021 | Homeland Security. (n.d.).
https://www.dhs.gov/ntas/advisory/national-terrorism-advisory-system-bulletin-august-13-
2021
Pledger, M. T. G. (2021, March 3). The role of drones in future terrorist attacks. AUSA.
https://www.ausa.org/publications/role-drones-future-terrorist-attacks
Hello Alex,
Thank you for your thoughts about homeland security. I totally agree with you that the
Department of Homeland Security has to adapt the new technology to protect our nation from
terrorism attacks. Both foreign and domestic terrorism are the threats to the homeland security,
especially the foreign terrorist groups are seeking to rebuild overseas and target our homeland.
Moreover, record encounters of migrants arriving from a growing number of countries have
complicated border and immigration security. As part of the overall increase in migration, we
have also encountered a growing number of individuals directly engaged in terrorist activity that
it challenges the Department of Homeland Security in order to protect our nation safety from
terrorism attacks. In addition to the enduring terrorism threat, illegal drugs also are the fact
which continues to kill more Americans due to produce in Mexico and sell in the border of U.S –
Mexico. During the past years, U.S-based trafficked have become more involved in the mixing
and pressing of fentanyl, contributing to more lethal mixes of deadly drug. Therefore, the top
missions of the Department of Homeland Security are to ensure the safety and security of the
American people as well as consider the lethal threats including terrorism and illegal drugs
affecting to national security and American communities.
Also, I agree with you that using drones in the fights against terrorism is a valuable asset. There
are some advantages of using armed drones instead of traditional manned aircraft including
reducing the risk of a pilot killed in the missions, getting closer to ground-based targets, and
being able to linger and surveil targets for longer than manned aircrafts. Also, the cost of
maintenance and operation drones are less than manned aircraft. Therefore, drones should be
used in support of operations and target the suspected terror organizations. According to Bible,
human is always on the fear from attacks or violation. Thus, they seek protection for safety and
security. “Keep me safe, Lord, From the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who
devise ways to trip my feet” – Psalm 140:4. The Department of Homeland Security have to
protect American from terrorism attacks as well as God protects human. “If my people who are
called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked
ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” – 2 Chronicles
7:14.
Reference
Holy bible. (2011). Zondervan.
Jackson, R., & Pisoiu, D. (2018). Are drones a useful counterterrorism tool? Contemporary
Debates on Terrorism, 198–210. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315679785-14
National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin - August 13, 2021. National Terrorism Advisory
System Bulletin - August 13, 2021 | Homeland Security. (n.d.).
https://www.dhs.gov/ntas/advisory/national-terrorism-advisory-system-bulletin-august-13-
2021
Hello Elizabeth,
Thank you for your post about homeland security. I totally agree with you that the Department of
Homeland Security has to face inadequate strategies due to the threats change as well as
exponential growth of technology. Moreover, the threat of cybersecurity is the fact in the 21st
century that government has to consider for mitigating and reducing the terrorist cyber-attacks.
According to President Trump Administration 2020, “This could be accomplishment by using
cybersecurity to protect space system, increasing security on space assets, and creating a more
robust system for space-related communication”. Focusing on cybersecurity training gives them
an opportunity to serve better in public as well as reporting the threat of attacks. All departments
have relative to identify and eliminate the impact of cybersecurity attacks and report to the
president to alarm the violation. Therefore, the Department of Homeland Security has to adapt
the revolution of technology to achieve their missions to protect our national security as well as
American safety from terrorism attacks. According to Christian viewpoints, God loves human
and protects human against enemy. The action of legislators should reflect to God’s verbal that
citizens can trust in their protection. “My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and
the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I
call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praise, and I am saved from my enemies” – 2 Samuel
22:3-4.
Reference
Holy bible. (2011). Zondervan
Secure cyberspace and critical infrastructure. Secure Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure |
Homeland Security. (n.d.). https://www.dhs.gov/secure-cyberspace-and-critical-
infrastructure
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