VIII

HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 1

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit VIII Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

8. Relate the benefits of interoperability to terrorism response operations. 8.1 Discuss shortcomings that exist in national systems that could hinder a large-scale disaster or

terrorist attack response. 8.2 Assess communication issues that affect agency interoperability and response.

Required Unit Resources Chapter 14: Homeland Security Communication and Technology Issues In order to access the following resources, click the links below. Chang, R., & Trainor, J. (2018). Pre-disaster established trust and relationships: Two major factors influencing

the effectiveness of implementing the ICS. Journal of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, 15(4). https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?dire ct=true&db=asn&AN=132691915&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Nowell, B., & Steelman, T. (2019). Beyond ICS: How should we govern complex disasters in the United

States? Journal of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, 16(2). https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?dire ct=true&db=asn&AN=136526530&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Unit Lesson

National Incident Management System and Incident Command System In addition to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS), agency interoperability is critical in effectively combating terroristic threats. NIMS utilizes a systematic approach to establish best practices into a unified national framework for incident management. NIMS is a guide that allows all applicable agencies a mechanism to follow and adhere to in the event of a disaster incident. What exactly is the benefit of NIMS? NIMS focuses on effective communication, coordination, and efficiency. The ICS is a management system that focuses on efficient management and allocating the necessary resources, personnel, procedures, equipment, and communication in a common organizational structure (Oliver et al., 2021). What is the difference between NIMS and the ICS? Look at NIMS as the guide and the ICS as the individuals who follow and act upon the guide. The ICS has a general staff that consists of the operations section chief, planning section chief, the logistics section chief, and the finance/administration section chief. The command staff consists of the public information officer, the safety officer, and the liaison officer (Oliver et al., 2021). The management characteristics of the ICS are as follows (Oliver et al., 2021):

• common terminology, • modular organization, • management by objectives,

UNIT VIII STUDY GUIDE Interoperability in Terrorism Response Operations

HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 2

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

• incident action planning, • management span of control, • incident facilities and locations, • comprehensive resource management, • integrated communications, • establishment and transfer of command, • chain of command and unity of command, • unified command, • accountability, and • dispatch/deployment.

The ICS often calls for a public information officer. Keeping the public and all applicable stakeholders informed is warranted and relevant in the event of a disaster or terrorist attack. The public needs accurate and timely information to inform their actions and keep the situation from becoming worse. As a public information officer or applicable official, it is prudent to state and advise that if the information is not confirmed or known, that you will report back on that information at a later time. The use of all available and reliable means to disseminate information is critical. Using social media can be extremely beneficial in reaching the most amount of people, especially when local power is disrupted and media outlets cannot be relied upon.

Interoperability How does all this relate to interoperability, and exactly what is interoperability? Basically, interoperability is the ability to effectively communicate. In the event of an emergency disaster such as a terrorist attack, it is indispensable that first responders have the resources and capability to communicate with one another. If all applicable first responders do not have the ability to effectively communicate with one another, this could result in additional devastation and casualties. This all relates due to the necessity of clear and effective communication in the occurrence of a disaster situation. A significant problem that faced Homeland Security after 9/11 was the predicament of operational communications between and among agencies. As a result of these predicaments, in 2007 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created the Office of the Emergency Communication (Oliver et al., 2021). Was subsequently creating an entire office that focused on emergency communication warranted? Let’s examine this issue in further detail. It is essential that the necessary resources, training, and personnel are focused on emergency communication. Having the proper infrastructure as it relates to emergency management is necessary as well. Adequate resources should be utilized to ensure that the proper infrastructure is made available to support and foster the necessary communication required to mitigate or potentially prevent a potential terrorist attack.

Cyberterrorism Another attack of great concern is cyberterrorism. Cyberterrorism is the most technology-relevant threat. However devastating, cyberterrorism is not a new threat. If cyberterrorism is not a new threat, then why is there an indicated lack of preparedness? Why is there still a fear of cyberterrorism? Cybersecurity involves a myriad of different threats that include dealing with national security issues from various nations as well as mitigating the threat of other terrorist organizations who are seeking to cause devastation to the United States (Oliver et al., 2021). An individual may deem a bomb attack to be more concerning than a cyberattack. The media focuses more on the action that an explosion or bomb attack may subsequently cause, but does the general population understand the consequences that cyberterrorism may have? In 2014, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s computer systems were attacked, and personal information was compromised. This attack focused on infiltrating the computer network to obtain confidential information. It was indicated that North Korea was the perpetrator of this attack. Cyberattacks are extremely serious and may cause enormous personal and economic harm. There are various agencies involved in the functions of cyberdefense. These agencies are the U.S. Department of Defense, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Security Agency. The DHS, as it relates to cyberdefense, is focused on preparation and mitigation (Oliver et al., 2021). Two

HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 3

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

programs that are essential and fall under the DHS function of cybersecurity are the National Cyber Response Coordination Group and the Federal National Security Branch. The threat of cyberterrorism has not been fully realized; however, the threat is becoming a concern. Most people understand the immediate impact of a bombing, but what about cyberterrorism? A cyberattack can also cause fear, impact the economy, harm computer networks, and devastate the nation.

Reference Oliver, W. M., Marion, N. E., & Hill, J. B. (2021). Introduction to homeland security: Policy, organization,

and administration (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781284205213.

Suggested Unit Resources In order to access the following resources, click the links below. Disasters can move quickly. Effective communication is a critical resource that can significantly enhance public safety. A mass notification system (MNS) uses text messaging to inform constituents of crisis, provide recommendations, and connect to resources, and it has the advantage of speed. This study’s findings indicate wide variability in MNS usage, little relationship between population size and enrollment, and a high perceived importance of MNS as a communication modality. Pelfrey, W. V. (2021). Emergency manager perceptions of the effectiveness and limitations of mass

notification systems: A mixed method study. Journal of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, 18(1), 49–65 https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?dire ct=true&db=asn&AN=148382254&site=ehost-live&scope=site

The following PowerPoint presentation provides a summary of the material in this unit’s chapter reading. The PowerPoint and PDF versions are provided for your convenience. Chapter 14 PowerPoint Presentation (Chapter 14 PDF)

HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 1

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit VIII Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

8. Relate the benefits of interoperability to terrorism response operations. 8.1 Discuss shortcomings that exist in national systems that could hinder a large-scale disaster or

terrorist attack response. 8.2 Assess communication issues that affect agency interoperability and response.

Required Unit Resources Chapter 14: Homeland Security Communication and Technology Issues In order to access the following resources, click the links below. Chang, R., & Trainor, J. (2018). Pre-disaster established trust and relationships: Two major factors influencing

the effectiveness of implementing the ICS. Journal of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, 15(4). https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?dire ct=true&db=asn&AN=132691915&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Nowell, B., & Steelman, T. (2019). Beyond ICS: How should we govern complex disasters in the United

States? Journal of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, 16(2). https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?dire ct=true&db=asn&AN=136526530&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Unit Lesson

National Incident Management System and Incident Command System In addition to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS), agency interoperability is critical in effectively combating terroristic threats. NIMS utilizes a systematic approach to establish best practices into a unified national framework for incident management. NIMS is a guide that allows all applicable agencies a mechanism to follow and adhere to in the event of a disaster incident. What exactly is the benefit of NIMS? NIMS focuses on effective communication, coordination, and efficiency. The ICS is a management system that focuses on efficient management and allocating the necessary resources, personnel, procedures, equipment, and communication in a common organizational structure (Oliver et al., 2021). What is the difference between NIMS and the ICS? Look at NIMS as the guide and the ICS as the individuals who follow and act upon the guide. The ICS has a general staff that consists of the operations section chief, planning section chief, the logistics section chief, and the finance/administration section chief. The command staff consists of the public information officer, the safety officer, and the liaison officer (Oliver et al., 2021). The management characteristics of the ICS are as follows (Oliver et al., 2021):

• common terminology, • modular organization, • management by objectives,

UNIT VIII STUDY GUIDE Interoperability in Terrorism Response Operations

HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 2

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

• incident action planning, • management span of control, • incident facilities and locations, • comprehensive resource management, • integrated communications, • establishment and transfer of command, • chain of command and unity of command, • unified command, • accountability, and • dispatch/deployment.

The ICS often calls for a public information officer. Keeping the public and all applicable stakeholders informed is warranted and relevant in the event of a disaster or terrorist attack. The public needs accurate and timely information to inform their actions and keep the situation from becoming worse. As a public information officer or applicable official, it is prudent to state and advise that if the information is not confirmed or known, that you will report back on that information at a later time. The use of all available and reliable means to disseminate information is critical. Using social media can be extremely beneficial in reaching the most amount of people, especially when local power is disrupted and media outlets cannot be relied upon.

Interoperability How does all this relate to interoperability, and exactly what is interoperability? Basically, interoperability is the ability to effectively communicate. In the event of an emergency disaster such as a terrorist attack, it is indispensable that first responders have the resources and capability to communicate with one another. If all applicable first responders do not have the ability to effectively communicate with one another, this could result in additional devastation and casualties. This all relates due to the necessity of clear and effective communication in the occurrence of a disaster situation. A significant problem that faced Homeland Security after 9/11 was the predicament of operational communications between and among agencies. As a result of these predicaments, in 2007 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created the Office of the Emergency Communication (Oliver et al., 2021). Was subsequently creating an entire office that focused on emergency communication warranted? Let’s examine this issue in further detail. It is essential that the necessary resources, training, and personnel are focused on emergency communication. Having the proper infrastructure as it relates to emergency management is necessary as well. Adequate resources should be utilized to ensure that the proper infrastructure is made available to support and foster the necessary communication required to mitigate or potentially prevent a potential terrorist attack.

Cyberterrorism Another attack of great concern is cyberterrorism. Cyberterrorism is the most technology-relevant threat. However devastating, cyberterrorism is not a new threat. If cyberterrorism is not a new threat, then why is there an indicated lack of preparedness? Why is there still a fear of cyberterrorism? Cybersecurity involves a myriad of different threats that include dealing with national security issues from various nations as well as mitigating the threat of other terrorist organizations who are seeking to cause devastation to the United States (Oliver et al., 2021). An individual may deem a bomb attack to be more concerning than a cyberattack. The media focuses more on the action that an explosion or bomb attack may subsequently cause, but does the general population understand the consequences that cyberterrorism may have? In 2014, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s computer systems were attacked, and personal information was compromised. This attack focused on infiltrating the computer network to obtain confidential information. It was indicated that North Korea was the perpetrator of this attack. Cyberattacks are extremely serious and may cause enormous personal and economic harm. There are various agencies involved in the functions of cyberdefense. These agencies are the U.S. Department of Defense, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Security Agency. The DHS, as it relates to cyberdefense, is focused on preparation and mitigation (Oliver et al., 2021). Two

HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 3

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

programs that are essential and fall under the DHS function of cybersecurity are the National Cyber Response Coordination Group and the Federal National Security Branch. The threat of cyberterrorism has not been fully realized; however, the threat is becoming a concern. Most people understand the immediate impact of a bombing, but what about cyberterrorism? A cyberattack can also cause fear, impact the economy, harm computer networks, and devastate the nation.

Reference Oliver, W. M., Marion, N. E., & Hill, J. B. (2021). Introduction to homeland security: Policy, organization,

and administration (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781284205213.

Suggested Unit Resources In order to access the following resources, click the links below. Disasters can move quickly. Effective communication is a critical resource that can significantly enhance public safety. A mass notification system (MNS) uses text messaging to inform constituents of crisis, provide recommendations, and connect to resources, and it has the advantage of speed. This study’s findings indicate wide variability in MNS usage, little relationship between population size and enrollment, and a high perceived importance of MNS as a communication modality. Pelfrey, W. V. (2021). Emergency manager perceptions of the effectiveness and limitations of mass

notification systems: A mixed method study. Journal of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, 18(1), 49–65 https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?dire ct=true&db=asn&AN=148382254&site=ehost-live&scope=site

The following PowerPoint presentation provides a summary of the material in this unit’s chapter reading. The PowerPoint and PDF versions are provided for your convenience. Chapter 14 PowerPoint Presentation (Chapter 14 PDF)