Critical Releases in Homeland Security: June 3, 2009

"No single person or organization can protect our Nation from the many and varied threats we face today. These threats, from looming terrorist plots, to pandemic disease, to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, require that we, as a government, work together. As we have articulated in the Intelligence Community (IC)'s Vision 2015, we must partner with intelligence consumers to meet the need for more timely and unique intelligence. In order to enhance our relationships, it is important for consumers to understand the mission, background, opportunities, and challenges facing the IC. We have published this handbook with this very thought in mind-to broaden your understanding of our work and to help us become stronger partners in protecting our Nation."

"Ballistic and cruise missiles present a significant threat to US and Allied forces overseas, and to the United States and its territories. Missiles are attractive to many nations because they can be used effectively against an adversary with a formidable air defense system, where an attack with manned aircraft would be impractical or too costly. In addition, missiles can be used as a deterrent or an instrument of coercion. Missiles also have the advantage of fewer maintenance, training, and logistic requirements than manned aircraft. Even limited use of these weapons could have devastating consequences because missiles can be armed with chemical, biological, or nuclear warheads. The ballistic and cruise missile threat continues to increase with the proliferation of missile technology. Over 20 countries have ballistic missile systems, and missiles likely will be a threat in future conflicts involving US forces. Ballistic missiles have been used in several conflicts over the last 30 years, including the Iran-Iraq war, the Afghan civil war, the war in Yemen, the 1991 and 2003 Persian Gulf conflicts, the Russian military actions in Chechnya and Georgia, and most recently in the conflict within Syria. Although LACMs have not yet been widely proliferated, as many as 20 countries could possess cruise missiles in the next decade. The US Air Force, in cooperation with the other services, is responsible for countering the ballistic and cruise missile threat through deterrence and, if necessary, active suppression. Threat suppression may include attacks on missile systems, both before launch and in flight, and attacks on their supporting infrastructure. This document includes information on some of the major current and projected foreign ballistic and cruise missile systems. Guided cruise and ballistic missiles were first used when Germany attacked targets in England and Northern Europe with V-1 cruise missiles and V-2 ballistic missiles during World War II. Although these missiles were inaccurate, their use resulted in tens of thousands of Allied casualties."

"For over two centuries the U. S. Coast Guard has safeguarded our Nation's maritime interests in the heartland, in the ports, at sea, and around the globe. We protect the maritime economy and the environment, we defend our maritime borders, and we save those in peril. This history has forged our character and purpose as America's Maritime Guardian-Always Ready for all hazards and all threats. I am proud to introduce the first revision of Coast Guard Publication 1, U.S. Coast Guard: America's Maritime Guardian (Pub 1). Since its original printing in 2002, Pub 1 has served as our capstone doctrine. It defines our principles and culture. It describes our history, our missions, our purpose, and our Guardian Ethos. It communicates who and what the Coast Guard is, what we do, and how we accomplish our missions. I expect all Coast Guard members to read and become familiar with Pub 1. Embrace the lessons from the past so you can adapt to our dynamic environment and improve our future mission performance. Discuss it with your shipmates and use it as a fundamental building block to educate our newest members just entering the Service. A common understanding of our guiding principles and beliefs will strengthen us as an organization. For anyone curious about the Coast Guard, this one document will give you a sound understanding of our unique organization and what we offer to our Nation and the world. This document belongs to every member of the Coast Guard family-active duty, reservist, civilian, and auxiliarist. I am confident it will help us meet the maritime challenges of the 21st century."