Critical Releases in Homeland Security: November 17, 2010

"On 5 November 2009, a gunman opened fire on military and civilian personnel at the Soldier Readiness Center at Fort Hood, Texas. Thirteen people were killed and 31 others were wounded, 34 by gunshot and 9 by other means. While the response to the incident was prompt and effective, the tragedy raised questions about the DoD's [Department of Defense] preparedness to prevent or defend against internal threats. Immediately following the shooting, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates established the DoD Independent Review Panel headed by the Honorable Togo West and Admiral Vernon Clark. In January 2010, the DoD Independent Review Panel published its report setting forth seventy-nine recommendations, divided into five major areas: personnel, information sharing, force protection, installation emergency response and health affairs. Subsequent to the publication of the DoD Independent Review Panel's report, the Secretary of Defense directed the Services to report back to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Security and Americas' Security Affairs (ASD(HD&ASA)), the Services internal review and assessment of 'their organization's ability below the headquarters level to identify internal threats and force protection (FP) and emergency response programs, policies and procedures.' In response to the Secretary of Defense's directive, the Army Vice Chief of Staff (VCSA) established the Fort Hood Army Internal Review Team (AIRT). The result of the Internal Review Team's effort is this report."