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Transforming Counterterrorism Training in the FBI: Preserving Institutional Memory and Enhancing Knowledge Management
From the thesis abstract: "The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) remains committed to working seamlessly with its international, federal, state and local partners to counter terrorism, the number one priority of the FBI. In order to more effectively equip personnel to meet and counter the ever-evolving threat, it is critical that inefficient practices that cause counterterrorism practitioners to 'recreate the wheel' are quickly transformed to promote the most efficient counterterrorism knowledge management, knowledge transfer, and training practices available. Lessons learned through both formalized training and on-the-job experience must be quickly leveraged to aid broader sectors of the FBI and partner communities in order to promote streamlined operations in combating terrorism while countering inefficient knowledge management. This research identifies and analyzes the knowledge management deficit in counterterrorism training, while examining the core influences of organizational mindset and individual mindsets, the importance of trust, and the misnomer of 'best practices' that must be acknowledged and overcome. Focused on the establishment of Counterterrorism Mobile Education Teams to drive the enhanced infusion of tacit counterterrorism knowledge, this research culminates in the delineation of a multi-faceted strategy comprised of recommendations to target remaining counterterrorism training gaps, to strengthen homeland security collaboration, and to combat terrorism."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Paulling, Kristen Cederholm
2009-03
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Strengthening Hospital Surge Capacity in the Event of Explosive or Chemical Terrorist Attacks
"Medical Care is a Public Trust. Americans expect that hospitals and healthcare providers will be available and prepared to care for their every medical need. Yet the medical community is severely challenged daily to care for the influx of patients to its Emergency Departments with current resources. Healthcare is ill-prepared to meet community needs in the event of a mass casualty event from a terrorist attack using weapons of mass destruction. This research explores the premise that clinicians have skills either current or remote that can be renewed and enhanced to provide an immediate life-saving response team in the event of explosive or chemical events. The research identified that the medical community has the building blocks available awaiting the guidance, organization and direction to orient them into a disaster medical capability that will improve preparedness and response. This thesis proposes a strategy to leverage the clinician personnel assets already in place to improve preparedness. A transformational approach is necessary to insure healthcare preparedness. Government planners must understand the challenges and current limitations of emergency medical response and partner with the healthcare to enhance preparedness. The United States medical community must understand the realities of terrorism and war at home."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
McInerney, Joan
2009-03
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Increasing Information Sharing among Independent Police Departments
"The events of September 11, 2001, clearly demonstrated the need for law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to increase their capacity to share information with one another. The 9/11 Commission asserted that the World Trade Center attacks occurred in part because law enforcement was unable to connect the dots, which may have provided the opportunity to disrupt the terrorists' mission. However, upon reflection and further investigation it seems probable that prior to the attacks there simply was not enough information [dots] to raise concern or suspicion about that fateful day. One can argue that the need for accurate information shared in a timely manner is the lifeblood of any agency responsible for defending the home front. This dynamic is further enhanced when municipal law enforcement agencies exist within a large urban area such as Los Angeles County (CA), which is a target rich environment. Using a quantitative analysis this thesis examines information and intelligence sharing networks, data collection methodologies, common technical platforms (voice and data), and financial considerations toward increasing information sharing among independent police departments and suggests methods to improve information sharing capabilities."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Sanchez, Phillip L.
2009-03
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Do Good Fences Still Make Good Neighbors?-Integrating Force Protection with Homeland Security on Army Installations
"Army installations have been uniquely affected by the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and homeland security initiatives as a result of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Unfortunately, most have not done enough in coordinating and integrating their antiterrorism plans with the crisis response and consequence management plans of their adjacent civilian municipalities. This thesis argues that fences and guards are not enough to protect Army installations against terrorist attack, or against any other natural or man-made disaster, nor do installations have the wherewithal to respond effectively on their own should disaster strike. Doctrine is clear, and regulations and policy have been published guiding the Army (and other military services) in providing Civil Support to state and local authorities during times of crisis; but what is less clear, or more precisely, non-existent, is the doctrine regarding how Army installations would receive and integrate support from local and state officials in response to disasters occurring on the installation. Now more than ever, Army installations require municipal support to effectively respond to terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and accidents. Indeed, Army installations must reach across their perimeter fences and embrace municipal partners in integrating force protection with homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Burdick, David S.
2009-03
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Burning Need to Know: The Use of Open Source Intelligence in the Fire Service
"In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the fire service found itself on the forefront of the war on terror. The people within the fire service began to realize they needed to share intelligence information with other government agencies in order to protect firefighters, and their community. At the federal level, the National Information Sharing Strategy recognized that first responders are critical to the prevention of terrorism and that an effective flow of intelligence information must be established between federal, state, local agencies. Yet, the fire service has little experience in the field of intelligence and much of the intelligence available may not be specific or useful to the fire service. The local fire department is faced with the task of analyzing what a particular piece of information means to that department. Only the local department knows its procedures and locale well enough to accomplish this critical task. This thesis seeks to assist local fire departments in building systems and training personnel to exploit open source intelligence for their unique needs. Using information gleaned from interviews with experienced intelligence people, the intelligence cycle is discussed including requirements, collection, analysis, and dissemination in light of the needs of the fire service."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Robson, Thomas A.
2009-03
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Critical Accountability: Preventing and Interdicting Terrorist Activity in the U.S. by Effectively Utilizing State and Local Law Enforcement
"The events of 9-11 illustrated to U.S. government and law enforcement agencies the critical need for definitive, cooperative and accountable gathering and sharing of intelligence for terrorist interdiction/prevention. Despite billions spent annually for this endeavor, huge gaps in communication sharing and accountability remain. This thesis illustrates the realities of these current issues facing homeland security, and proposes a conceptual model: Homeland Security Regional Cooperation Areas (HSRCAs), based on proven, cooperative, drug-interdiction model programs that effectively utilize resources, training, and establish inter-agency cooperation and accountability. Soft Systems Methodology was used to study current realities and generate solutions for human factors, which have previously created the challenges in agency and program integration. The HSRCA model proposes specific performance management processes, as well as governance by administrative members (responsible for daily state and local law enforcement operations throughout the country). Such administrators placed in a collaborative environment are able to implement effective programs while satisfying federal objectives, within budget. HSRCAs will utilize state resources and existing fusion centers for shared regional communication, critical infrastructure protection and widespread training. These activities--easily incorporated into daily activities of law enforcement officers--empowers them with critical tools and information to interdict and defeat terrorist activities."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Squires, Keith D.
2009-03
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Increasing Capacity & Changing the Culture: Volunteer Management in Law Enforcement
"In the post--September 11 world, law enforcement agencies are struggling to protect their communities from the threat of global terrorism, and also preparing for and responding to natural and manmade disasters. The demands on municipal law enforcement agencies have never been greater. Today, more than ever, it is clear that volunteers can play a fundamental role in augmenting a department's homeland security efforts. Are there best practices when incorporating volunteers into a law enforcement agency and how does law enforcement maximize its volunteer effort? This thesis set out to answer the question: How does a designated Volunteer Coordinator impact mission performance in a law enforcement agency's volunteer program? Furthermore, the research will address the role of volunteers in law enforcement, including how volunteers can augment an agency's homeland security strategic plan. Research included a survey, literature review, and case study. Although the research and survey data do not provide incontrovertible proof that a Volunteer Coordinator is a necessity to a volunteer program, there is sufficient evidence to show that a volunteer program is more effective when properly managed and led."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cayson, Donna M.
2009-03
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Homeland Security Collaboration: Catch Phrase or Preeminent Organizational Construct?
From the thesis abstract: "Since September 11, 2001, numerous documents have been produced by various governmental agencies, and the private sector, addressing homeland security issues. Many of these publications identify a need to create multi-discipline, multi-agency cooperative environments at all levels of government and within the private sector in order to resolve homeland security problems. Although these cooperative environments are deemed collaboration, a common definition of collaboration is missing from the literature. More importantly, also missing from the literature is guidance on how to achieve collaboration. This project identifies a common, measurable definition for collaboration. The research identified existing organizations that address homeland security issues that do not meet the definition of collaboration but are successful in addressing current problems. Conclusions of this project include: 1.) Organizations can effectively manage homeland security issues although they have not reached true collaboration 2.) Collaboration is the desired organizational structure as the most efficient organizational structure dealing with homeland security concerns. Future homeland security publications need to include a definition of collaboration and guidance to achieve it."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kay, Raymond L., II
2009-09
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Collecting and Connecting the Dots: Leveraging Technology to Enhance the Collection of Information and the Dissemination of Intelligence
From the thesis abstract: "Developing a national strategy to effectively coordinate information sharing and the subsequent dissemination of intelligence is paramount in domestic efforts to thwart future acts of terror and suppress crime. Past failures illustrate the need for strong and trustworthy partnerships not only between federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, but also with relevant partners in the private sector, foreign allies and other government agencies. Standardizing operations and better utilizing technology will improve the efficacy of this effort and will draw upon the domestic law enforcement community as key players in this endeavor. The findings and recommendations proffered in this research identify policies and practices that effectively integrate information sharing into all aspects of policing and provide for technological solutions to enhance capabilities for collecting information and disseminating intelligence. Integrating intelligence led-policing into existing community policing strategies also illustrates the utility of both public and private partners in this effort. Ultimately, the enhanced collection of information and dissemination of intelligence will greatly augment the ability of law enforcement and the myriad of relevant stakeholders to prevent both crime and acts of terrorism."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Burke, Patrick A.
2009-09
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Winning the Battle of Ideas through Individual Resiliency: A Multi-dimensional Approach for Countering Radicalization in the Homeland
"To defeat the terrorist threat facing the U.S., the 9/11 Commission recommended a balanced strategy to attack the terrorists and prevent recruitment, while protecting against future attack. A review of the national strategies related to counterterrorism and homeland security shows they do not provide a balanced approach. Specifically, they fail to counter the factors influencing individuals to conduct terrorism. Disruption of the radicalization process, becomes more significant, when, considering the threat is no longer just of foreign origins, it is increasingly from within. Adding to this dilemma, evidence shows terrorist networks are becoming less centralized, and placing greater emphasis on individual actions. Based on the evolving threat, this thesis explores what strategy offers the most balanced approach. To answer this question, an exploratory study was conducted to define the threat and causes of radicalization. The current U.S. strategies were then evaluated to determine if they adequately addressed the research findings. Additionally, international approaches were analyzed to determine if any lessons learned could be incorporated into a U.S. strategy. The recommendation is to complement existing strategies with a counterradicalization strategy. The proposed multi-dimensional solution offers several options to counter radicalization: traditional and nontraditional educational programs, outreach programs, and community involvement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Sampson, Kirk J.
2009-09
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How to Prepare the National Guard's Leadership for Successful Venture in Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "The National Guard (NG) will be the first military force on disaster scenes in the United States. If the NG is to respond as efficiently as possible, the NG leadership must be educated on preparation for and response to disasters. Research questions used were: how to overcome the gap in disaster-response knowledge, and what are the topics on which the Department of Defense (DoD) should specifically educate the NG leadership? What has caused this education gap and how can the NG leadership overcome it? Survey and interview responses revealed that gaps exist in what the NG knows about the state response process and knowledge of what the civilians expect from the military. A review of the existing education opportunities available to the NG showed that none covered the state process. Using the military decision-making process, courses of action were developed to correct this education shortfall. Recommendations included the development of a one-week course to address the state response process, DoD acknowledgment of the civil support mission, and the assigned and funded ability of the NG to educate and train on the civil support missions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Amundson, Randy J.
2009-09
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Protecting Small Communities through Domestic Policing: Adopting an Information Analysis System to Recognize Potential Terrorist Activity
"Throughout history, the role of law enforcement has never been more demanding than it is today. In the aftermath of 9/11, local law enforcement agencies have recognized the need to develop new capabilities to protect their communities. Due to the evolving nature of terrorism, public safety organizations must modify the way they respond to crime and acts of terrorism. This report seeks to contribute to the debate among law enforcement organizations regarding how to counter the increasing threat of terrorism. The aim of this document is to assist policymakers by providing an alternate response strategy to the growing criminal and terrorist nexus. Due to limited resources, the challenges of implementing a locally driven information system for police agencies are considerable. Outcome-based policing is a promising methodology that is proactive and information driven. It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses domestic policing and homeland security concerns affecting public safety. This thesis examines the challenge small communities have in combating threats of terrorism through shared intelligence. As a final point, this report outlines how the threat of terrorism and potential terrorist activity has redefined police operations and its impact on small jurisdictions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Perry, Donnie
2009-09
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Privacy Protection Standards for the Information Sharing Environment
"Created in response to findings of the 9/11 Commission concerning the lack of information sharing as a primary factor in the failure to stop the September 11, 2001, attacks, the Information Sharing Environment (ISE) was mandated by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorist Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA). The ISE was intended to build on existing information sharing systems and promote increased information sharing through the creation of a collaborative culture among a diverse group of participants. Another goal of the ISE is to protect information privacy. ISE efforts to meet the goal of information privacy protection are stymied by a lack of uniform privacy standards that are equally applicable to all ISE participants. The thesis compares two policy options--voluntarily adopted mandatory standards and federally imposed mandatory standards--to the status quo system of voluntary guidelines. These policy options are evaluated in terms of their effect on collaboration and information sharing, their constitutionality, their consistency and enforceability in application, and political acceptability. Based on projected relative outcomes, this thesis recommends that the ISE adopt a privacy protection system consisting of voluntary standards that, once adopted, become mandatory in application."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Holmstrup, Mark A.
2009-09
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Dystopia: Where Bad Things Happen
This Center for Homeland Defense and Security Webpage contains "a fictional world created for homeland defense and security educational exercises. Dystopia is a rich detailed fictional world that is continually being developed and extended with people and places for the purpose of supporting strategic planning and functional exercises and educational simulations for homeland defense and security. […]. Dystopia itself is a standalone product. It is a collection of geospecific and meta data that creates a robust, deep virtual environment in which exercises, games and scenarios can be created. This collection of data includes spatial information, 2D map products, and a database of metadata about the people and places located in this world. Dystopia, by itself, is not a game or exercise - instead, it provides a context for those types of learning activities. It must be embedded into an application or interface that contains game logic or exercise rules. It also can be used for tabletop or other live exercises that do not use software, but impose rules explicitly and use the electronic viewing and searching products of Dystopia for efficiency.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
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Radicalization Within the Somali-American Diaspora: Countering the Homegrown Terrorist Threat
"In 2008, Minneapolis resident Shirwa Ahmed became the first U.S. suicide bomber after he detonated his explosivesladen vehicle in front of a government compound in Hargesa, Somaliland. Ahmed's transformation from an average American teenager to an Islamic jihadist was gradual and complex. This thesis will examine how Ahmed, and other Somali-Americans, morphed into Salafi jihadists. Through interviews with law enforcement, social services providers, and homeland security officials, the cultural, religious, and assimilative traits existing within this unique diaspora community that have affected the trajectory of the radicalization of its members will be examined. Factors such as historic clan identity, religious pragmatism, pastoralism, and Somali-nationalistic identity generally discourage the adoption of transnational movements like global jihadism by first generation Somali émigrés. An in-depth analysis of the profiles of Somali- American travelers suggests that Somali youth are less like their parents and are more similar to their American and European-Muslim counterparts. Thus, they are a virtual 'tabula rasa' upon which jihadist recruiters may not only write but also erase much of the youths' inherent clannish identity and cultural traits. These newly indoctrinated youths rush to embrace American culture but are torn between two diametrically opposed identities. The resulting tension leaves a gap ready to be filled by Salafi Islam."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mulligan, Scott E.
2009-12
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Leveraging Successful Collaborative Processes to Improve Performance Outcomes in Large-Scale Event Planning: Super Bowl, A Planned Homeland Security Event
"Super Bowls are one of the world's premier sporting events, bringing hundreds of thousands of event participants, vendors, and fans to host cities. They are high-stakes, planned events that require the same elements of focus, all-hazard orientation, coordination, trust, collaboration, and unity of purpose that the homeland security environment requires in order to achieve the goals set forth in the Presidential Directives. This thesis considers the predictable performance activities in the planning process that lead to predictable performance outcomes. Large-event planners and operators can benefit from understanding these activities and implementing preventive steps that lead to more desirable event outcomes. By establishing a cooperative and highly participative SB planning process, the majority of operational conflicts (whether cultural or technical) will be uncovered in a controlled way and lead toward more predictable performance outcomes."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Shannon, Thomas
2010-03
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Interagency Modeling Atmospheric Assessment Center Local Jurisdiction: IMAAC Operations Framework
"The Interagency Modeling Atmospheric Assessment Center (IMAAC) is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) interagency working group responsible to create atmospheric air plume dispersion model predictions for designated emergencies. When 'activated' IMAAC is comprised of representatives from eight federal agencies with the National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC) serving as the interim host. The Center concept was designed to eliminate contradictory plume predictions during weapons of mass of destruction (WMD) and hazardous materials incidents. IMAAC plume predictions represent the federal position during such emergencies. IMAAC resources are also available to assist local jurisdictions during incidents requiring 'federal coordination' as cited by the DHS National Response Framework. An operations framework model has been devised in this thesis to address ongoing plume modeling issues between IMAAC and first responders in need of fast and accurate plume predictions during accidental or intentional spills, releases, or discharges of WMD or hazardous materials into the environment. The proposed operations framework model is designed to address related obstacles facing first responders including IMAAC Web-based and stand-alone models accessibility, incident 'reach back' support, coordinated procedures, training, exercises, and funding."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dadosky, Edward J.
2010-03
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Enhancing Unity of Effort in Homeland Defense, Homeland Security, and Civil Support Through Interdisciplinary Education
"Whether in prevention of or response to a natural disaster or act of terrorism, overseas or on American soil, unity of effort among multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional operations is essential. Unity of effort goes beyond cooperation or teamwork to include the concepts of communication using a commonly accepted language; understanding roles, missions, authorities, responsibilities, capabilities, and gaps; information sharing; interoperability; and relationship building and collaboration. This thesis highlights the importance of unity of effort, its challenges, and the contributions of interdisciplinary education to building collaborative capacity in meta-discipline environments. The intricacies of homeland defense, homeland security, and civil support necessitate the adaptation of military and national security professional education to incorporate interdisciplinary concepts. The shared learning environments present in the health care meta-discipline are explored for correlations to interdisciplinary homeland defense and security education. The Center for Homeland Defense and Security program is examined to identify contributions of interdisciplinary education to enhancing unity of effort among homeland defense and homeland security stakeholders. By integrating a variety of strategies and reports, this research serves to acknowledge the collaborative capacity built via multijurisdictional, interdisciplinary education as a method to enhance unity of effort and build a cadre of military and national security professionals."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Church, Kristi K.
2010-03
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Fusion Center Privacy Policies: Does One Size Fit All?
"'The 9/11 Commission Report' states, 'The choice between security and liberty is a false choice, as nothing is more likely to endanger America's liberties than the success of a terrorist attack at home. Our history has shown us that insecurity threatens liberty. Yet, if our liberties are curtailed, we lose the values that we are struggling to defend.' This thesis will explore privacy policies from established fusion centers, federal guidance and civil liberty advocate statements on privacy, civil liberty infringement and the sharing of information in and outside of fusion centers. Recommendations are provided for the State of New Hampshire's Information and Analysis Center as the basis for developing a privacy and civil liberty policy framework that maintains the integrity of the information, protects citizens' rights, and achieves the mission of the center."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Harper, Jennifer L.
2009-12
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Regional Joint Border Commands: A Pathway to Improving Collaboration and Effectiveness for Border Control
"Control of the U.S. border is a primary concern for the Department of Homeland Security. Three of the department's components have major roles in providing border security and control. With increasing costs and constantly changing threats, it is vital that all border organizations work together collaboratively. This thesis looks at two new ideas, border regionalization and joint regional border commands, and compares them with current efforts to increase collaboration. By establishing border regions, DHS can use threat based planning in each region to allow all border control components to focus on threats specific to their region while also increasing the level effectiveness of resources. Joint regional border commands offer even greater advantages in collaboration between components and resource usage. The DoD model for regional combatant commands is used as an example of how DHS can take advantage of the lessons learned with this recommendation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Carr, Alan
2009-12
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Preparing Federal Coordinating Officers (FCOs) to Operate in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Environments
"In this thesis the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) function is examined as it relates to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) operations. It is suggested that targeted changes can be made to ensure the FCOs are better prepared to manage the additional complexities of a CBRN environment. The changes include addressing the FCOs from the systems approach internally to improve the FCO personal and professional development; external organizational design to improve the FCO's cross-jurisdictional operating environment; and agency support changes to provide the FCOs with additional CBRN staffing expertise to aid in managing the complexity. If the recommendations herein are adopted, the critical command and control function of the FCO in a CBRN environment will be substantially enhanced and the readiness level of the federal response system greatly improved."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Russell, Tony
2008-12
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Proliferation of Biodefense Laboratories and the Need for National Biosecurity
"In the years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist acts and the anthrax attacks which followed, the president of the United States has issued a number of Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPD). HSPD-10, HSPD-18, and HSPD-21 specifically addressed measures to be taken by the United States to prepare for and mitigate potential threats involving bioterrorism agents (BT agents). The provisions of these directives have strengthened our capacity to cope with such threats and have drastically increased BT-agent research activities. Before 2001 such research was confined to a limited number of high-security laboratories but has since expanded to educational, government, and private laboratories all over the country. This essay discusses the implications of the recent proliferation of laboratories involved in BT-agent research and asserts that additional safety oversight and regulation is necessary in order for these critical research activities to continue without creating additional hazards."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Tucker, Jesse
2008-08
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Making Consequence Management Work: Applying the Lesson of the Joint Terrorism Task Force
"Using the successful apprehension of the 'Fort Dix Six' as an example, this essay identifies the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF) as the most successful effort in the area of homeland security. The essay also nominates consequence management as the area most critical for future success in homeland security. After analyzing the organizational structure of the JTTF, the essay proposes that the departments and agencies responsible for consequence management adopt the JTTF "cross-functional team" approach to mission areas that cross the boundaries of departmental authorities. By assigning cross-functional teams a clear mission and defining their roles and responsibilities, the federal government can best serve the taxpayer with effective operations and avoid the confusion that has plagued consequence management planning and operations in the past."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Goodman, Will
2008-08
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State of Leadership in DHS -- Is There a Model for Leading?
"This thesis studies strategic leadership within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The study centered on a search for a leadership strategy that may be helpful for DHS leaders given their inherent organizational, functional, and technological challenges. The research entailed an in-depth review of existing literature along with interviews/focus groups with senior executives external to DHS, senior executives within DHS, and DHS managerial level professionals. This thesis argues that DHS leaders would benefit from an organizationally sponsored leadership strategy that supports DHS's pursuit to secure the United States' homeland. The findings of this research are based on key themes that were formed as a result of the research. These themes are presented as key findings and, in some cases, recommendations for how DHS leaders may be able to enhance both individual and organizational performance as DHS carries on into the future. The findings support that there are leadership strategies that can help DHS to achieve a higher level of organizational and mission-oriented performance. The leadership strategy that is recommended as a result of this research is for DHS to establish a leadership strategy that is not only linked to its overall business strategy, but is inherently part of its business strategy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bell, Christina
2008-12
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Potential Transformative Impact of Web 2.0 Technology on the Intelligence Community
From the thesis abstract: "Web 2.0 technologies can transform and improve interagency collaboration in the Intelligence Community in many of the same ways that have marked their use through the internet in the public domain and private industry. The potential for success is illustrated in the early stages of ODNI's implementation of the Analytical Transformation program within the sixteen agencies across the Intelligence Community. Intelligence analysts have already seen an impact in their ability to connect, share information, conduct research and analysis utilizing a suite of web 2.0 technology, including Intellipedia and A-Space. However, adoption of the technology in the Intelligence Community will not be without challenges, including a number that are unique to Intelligence Community. Those challenges include the need for the Intelligence Community to move away from a 'need to know' culture towards a 'responsibility to provide' culture, a need for increased promotion of these tools and a need for training on web 2.0 technology."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Werner, Adrienne
2008-12
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Reflecting Pool Podcast: The Human-Machine Interface: Promise and Peril [audio]
From the Webpage: "The human-machine interface found in today's complex machines introduces unprecedented opportunities for promise and peril. Jackie Lindsey (Masters 1601), currently the Cabinet Secretary at the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, studied several theories that try to explain this human-intelligent machine interface and predict how the future will look. Her research into the causal variables that led to the first vehicular auto-pilot fatality generated unique insights. Lindsey combined accident investigation findings with human-machine interface heuristics, cognitive psychology theories to evaluate the human-machine interface, and offers a counter-narrative called Brown's Point that ensures the most benefit and safe way forward for humanity in this rapidly evolving environment."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Karimi, Bijan P.
2019-08-06
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Baton Rouge Post-Katrina: The Role of Critical Infrastructure Modeling in Promoting Resilience
"The events of Hurricane Katrina have become a textbook example of system failures at multiple and intersecting levels. One unexplored dimension of this tragedy is the role of infrastructure performance data and modeling studies in aiding stakeholders in understanding this and future crises in order to promote resilience. This article presents results from a comparative validation study of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sponsored Critical Infrastructure Protection Decision Support System (CIPDSS) to offer an interdisciplinary and systems-level understanding of resilience. Our analysis of Baton Rouge critical infrastructures response to one of the largest population displacements recorded in U.S. history highlights the importance of integrating engineering systems and policy approaches with critical infrastructure protection, planning, and capacity building. By using infrastructure performance data we were able to address which systems in Baton Rouge proved resilient and why and determine recommendations for effective planning to increase critical infrastructure resilience."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Steinberg, Laura J.; Santella, Nicholas; Zoli, Corrine B.
2011-02
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Americus, Georgia: The Case Study of Disasters Serving the Role of Facilitators and Expeditors of Progress and Betterment
"It has long been debated whether a community is better off before or after being struck by a natural disaster. The aim of this study is to utilize the instance of Americus, Georgia, which was devastated by a tornado in 2007, as a case study to provide evidence for one opposing argument or the other. A problem in determining whether Americus has recovered and/or is in relatively better shape now is the economic recession. The recession masks the progress that Americus has made, and it exaggerates any regressions. Economic data was collected, interviews were conducted, and information was gathered regarding trends prior to and following the disaster from three similar Georgia cities to identify and compare trends in Americus. Most of the information for Americus, such as the economy, redevelopment, new construction, government infrastructure, and opinions of locals, is positive. This data seems to illustrate recovery, even though the community may not yet be in a more favorable position (but it most likely will be once the hospital is rebuilt). These findings project the theory that natural disasters of this magnitude have minimal negative to potentially positive effects on the economy, technology, and physical makeup of local regions in the medium to long term."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hyden, Marc; English, Charley
2011-02
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Terrorist to Tyrant
"Successful terrorist groups can evolve to gain national power. This article consists of three case studies: the overthrow of the Russian Czar, the overthrow of the Shah of Iran and Hezbollah's rise to power in Lebanon. The three are compared in order to identify common stages in terrorist evolution. These stages are identified as Ideological Development, Small Group Terror, Mass Civil Unrest and Revolution, Revolutionary Victory and Consolidation of Power and finally, Tyranny. Both the Russian and Iranian Revolutions followed the six stages to Tyranny while Hezbollah has not (yet) completed the fifth stage to power."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Myers, Thomas
2011-02
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With a Disaster, Pain is Inevitable, but Suffering is Optional
"Hurricane Ike's winds and storm surge devastated rural coastal communities of Texas and Louisiana, many still recovering from severe damage caused by past Gulf Coast hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Rita in 2005. Rural coastal community leaders, still in the midst of repairing Hurricane Rita's damage, faced swiftly restoring basic critical infrastructure and residential services as well as longer-term political, social, and economic recovery and redevelopment efforts. Lack of progress at any level could hold back community resurgence. Despite 'bare bones' rural-area government structure and personnel capacity, these rural coastal communities have factors that can mediate or mitigate the impact of a large storm or other disaster. This article draws on the experiences of Cameron Parish, Louisiana, to illustrate the factors of (1) a history and culture of self-reliance and independence; (2) close-knit, committed individual communities; (3) the continued blows of devastating hurricanes; (4) a leader and organization point for resiliency efforts; (5) a robust recovery and redevelopment plan; (6) restoration of housing; and (7) visible recovery, rebuilding, and re-visioning."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Caudle, Sharon L.; Broussard, Ernest, Jr.
2011-02
