Critical Releases in Homeland Security: May 02, 2007

"The security and economic prosperity of the United States depend significantly upon the secure operation of its aviation system and use of the world's airspace by the Nation, its international partners, and legitimate commercial interests. Terrorists, criminals, and hostile nation-states have long viewed aviation as a target for attack and exploitation. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 and the Heathrow plot of August 2006 are telling reminders of the threats facing aviation and the intent and capabilities of adversaries that mean to do harm to the United States and its people. In June 2006, building upon the Administration's successful efforts since 9/11, the President directed the development of a comprehensive National Strategy for Aviation Security (hereafter referred to as 'the Strategy') to protect the Nation and its interests from threats in the Air Domain. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in accordance with National Security Presidential Directive 47/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 16 (NSPD-47/HSPD-16), will coordinate the operational implementation of the Strategy, including the integration and synchronization of related Federal programs and initiatives. […] Through a collaborative interagency effort and with input from aviation stakeholders, seven supporting plans will be developed to address the specific threats and challenges identified in NSPD-47/HSPD-16. Although the plans will address different aspects of aviation security, they will be mutually linked and reinforce each other. The supporting plans are: Aviation Transportation System Security Plan, Aviation Operational Threat Response Plan, Aviation Transportation System Recovery Plan, Air Domain Surveillance and Intelligence Integration Plan, International Aviation Threat Reduction Plan, Domestic Outreach Plan, and International Outreach Plan."

This report, the result of a Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes, was commissioned to improve the delivery of Federal services and benefits to Global War on Terror servicemembers and veterans. The report addresses the following concerns; identify and examine existing Federal services that currently are provided to returning Global War on Terror (GWOT) servicemembers; identify existing gaps in such services; seek recommendations from appropriate Federal agencies on ways to fill those gaps; ensure that appropriate Federal agencies are communicating and cooperating effectively; and develop a Government-wide Action Plan that ensures that in providing services to these servicemembers, appropriate Federal agencies are communicating and cooperating effectively. The results include 25 recommendations to improve delivery of Federal services that identify responsible agency as well as a discussion, gap analysis, impact statement, and implementation.

"To confront today's threats, exemplified by the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, the United States has made many changes in the way we conduct intelligence, law enforcement, homeland security, diplomatic, and defense activities. Drawing on in-depth studies-such as the 9/11 Commission Report, the WMD Commission Report, internal Executive Branch reviews and reports by both houses of Congress-the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) was enacted to improve our effectiveness alongside several Executive Orders aimed at providing specific Administration direction. Significant progress has been made in enhancing the effectiveness of the Intelligence Community. Much more, however, must be accomplished to counter today's threats effectively. To serve better the nation and our principal customers-from the President, the Congress, and the warfighter to state and local authorities-the IC must become more agile and effective by enhancing integration and collaboration. This 100 Day Plan builds on the foundation established by the National Intelligence Strategy (NIS). The initiatives contained herein map to the strategic objectives-both mission and enterprise-addressed in the NIS. The 100 Day Plan represents specific initiatives and tasks to be accomplished according to the priorities of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). The goal of the 100 Day Plan is to demonstrate short-term progress and build momentum for integration and transformation across the Community. This plan will be followed by the drafting of a 500 Day Implementation Plan that aligns and synchronizes on-going and planned activities not included in the initial 100 day plan."

"Five years after 9/11, the international community's conflict with transnational terrorists continues. Cooperative international efforts have produced genuine security improvements- particularly in securing borders and transportation, enhancing document security, disrupting terrorist financing, and restricting the movement of terrorists. The international community has also achieved significant success in dismantling terrorist organizations and disrupting their leadership. This has contributed to reduced terrorist operational capabilities and the detention or death of numerous key terrorist leaders. Working with allies and partners across the world, through coordination and information sharing, we have created a less permissive operating environment for terrorists, keeping leaders on the move or in hiding, and degrading their ability to plan and mount attacks. Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and many other partners played major roles in this success, recognizing that international terrorism represents a threat to the whole international community."