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Getting Serious About Games -- Using Video Game-Based Learning to Enhance Nuclear Terrorism Preparedness
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis proposes the development of a video game platform to increase the public's knowledge of required protective actions in the event of a nuclear terrorism attack. Current scientific analyses have identified elementary steps the public should take to increase the likelihood of survival in the event of a nuclear terrorism incident; however, a knowledge gap currently exists with regard to the public's understanding of these required actions. Unfortunately, todays preparedness initiatives do not have the efficacy required to impact significant improvements in this area. Video games, more specifically a sub-genre of games known as serious games, are uniquely postured to address this knowledge gap. Not only do video games provide a motivating, enriching and engaging educational medium, but also they are unique in that they address the emerging educational needs of today's games generation, which desires more interactive educational environments since they have been immersed in technology for the majority of their lives. As such, leveraging this technology can help close the current knowledge gap and increase the nation's resilience to nuclear terrorism." A 9-min, 2-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 722099]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Gorman, Chad M.
2012-03
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Your Faith, My Fear: Countering Consent to Cosmic Positioning
From the thesis abstract: "Addressing American fear of discourse on faith, as indicated through evolving American faith narratives, is essential in effectively countering modern day terrorism and to sustaining and securing the republic founded upon unique and enduring democratic principles. This research explores American faith narratives and subsequent relevance to cosmic war, the consequences of American reactions and perceptions to religious extremism, and the prospect, parameters, and purpose of inclusive faith discourse in the public square. Reactions and realities explored herein are framed through (1) American history of faith in the public square; (2) theoretical world views--how we know the enemy and know ourselves through Social Identity Theory and Positioning Theory, and (3) fear of unknown or uncomfortable concepts related to faith as evidenced through storylines inherent in American faith narratives. Influencing the global perception of America involves imagining the possibilities to ensure that future generations are afforded the American tradition of opportunity and freedom. This involves aggressively initiating public discourse on faith based upon securing diverse religious freedoms and beliefs and democratic principles in such a way that American faith narratives position the United States as a positive global and social influence, thereby impacting the global terrorists' threat." A 14-min, 13-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 722111]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Nations, Julie
2012-03
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Nation That Cried Lone Wolf: A Data-Driven Analysis of Individual Terrorists in the United States Since 9/11
From the thesis abstract: "Lone-wolf terrorist attacks have occurred in the United States throughout the country's history. Attempted attacks from individual terrorists unaffiliated with terrorist groups may be becoming more prevalent. Both the general public and government officials acknowledge the presence and importance of these attacks; however, relatively little literature exists on the subject compared to group terrorism. Much of the information on lone wolves has been established by case study, inference, and known characteristics of group terrorism. The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of lone-wolf terrorism through formal statistical models. The study then synthesizes data with case study and existing literature to formulate a base of knowledge for lone-wolf terrorism. This study demonstrates that no single dispositional profile of a lone-wolf terrorist exists. The individuals who engage in the tactic of lone-wolf terrorism form a unique ideology that combines personal grievances with common terrorist goals. Still, many lone-wolf cases exhibit certain characteristics. This thesis analyzes these characteristics and their relationship with successful attacks. These data on characteristics, goals, and motivations of lone wolves purport policies to increase engagement between the community and curb lone-wolf terrorism and its effects." An 8-min, 28-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 722103]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Eby, Charles A.
2012-03
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Health Security Intelligence: Assessing the Nascent Public Health Capability
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis explores the current state of public healths (HS) intelligence capability across State, Local, Tribal and Territorial (SLTT) jurisdictions through qualitative analysis of current public health jurisdiction plans for the collection, analysis, product creation, dissemination and programmatic oversight related to public health inputs into the homeland security intelligence apparatus. An assessment was conducted using an online Plan Assessment Tool, or PLAT, that allowed jurisdictional public health leadership to provide de-identified responses. This assessment of 25 of the 62 federally funded SLTT public health preparedness programs indicates one impediment to the continued maturation of this new intelligence capability is the lack of codified plans. The results also suggest that while public health programs at the SLTT level do indeed have much room for improvement, there is a burgeoning intelligence capability within public health. However, to sustain and improve this emergent capability will require a national effort to create mission focus and centralized guidance." A 10-min, 42-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 722109]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Minarcine, Scott
2012-03
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Crossing the River: A Conceptual Framework for Response to Chaos
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis suggests that the existing protocols for initial emergency response to a chaotic event do not take advantage of the decision-making skills of front-line responders. Building from a foundation derived from the concepts of reductionism, holism and the Cynefin framework, a purposeful sample of real-world incidents was examined in an attempt to understand and demonstrate how front-line, emergent decision making can positively impact a chaotic emergency scene. From the research and sampling, a conceptual framework was developed that supports the implementation of a protocol that encourages front-line decision making. The research also identifies a point during the response that signifies entry into the chaotic domain. The REACT framework (respond, engage, act, communicate and transition) is proposed to empower first responders and give them the ability to respond to a crisis when there is not plan. The REACT framework is capable of being implemented at the lowest level of emergency response agencies. The utilization of this framework allows the decision-making skills of responders to develop incrementally. In addition, this thesis suggests that the framework serves as a mechanism to teach critical thinking and decision making." An 11-min, 1-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 722110]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Linthicum, David W.
2012-03
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History as the Architect of the Present: What Made Kashmir the Nucleus of South Asia Terrorism? India-Pakistan Conflict and Its Impact on U.S. Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis focuses on the root causes of conflict in South Asia that have created the environment in the Afghan-- Pakistan border areas, which nurtures insurgency. The causes are rooted in the decisions, made by the British Empire in the 19th and 20th centuries, to perpetuate her rule in the Indian subcontinent. A disregard for the history and its impact on the current events has lead to prolonging of U.S. war in Afghanistan. The conclusion is that colonial history of South Asia has shaped current conflicts in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. These conflicts have manifested in spawning of terrorism from the region. Ever since the partition of India in 1947 by the British, India and Pakistan remain locked in an enduring conflict over Kashmir. This conflict is tied to destabilization of South Asia, including competition between India and Pakistan over influence in Afghanistan. Thus, the U.S. focus on elimination of al Qaeda is short sighted, as it ignores the reasons for al Qaeda's survival in South Asia. Without Pakistan's support for the Afghan Taliban and associated terrorist organizations, al Qaeda would not have a sanctuary in South Asia. Without a resolution of the conflict between India and Pakistan, the terrorism problem emanating from South Asia remains a potential threat. Therefore, it is imperative that U.S. policy should expand to include a resolution of India-Pakistan conflict."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dutta, Sunil
2012-03
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Perfect Storm: The Religious Apocalyptic Imagination and Personal Disaster Preparedness
From the thesis abstract: "Using the Citizen Corps' Personal Disaster Preparedness (PDP) Model as a framework, this thesis examines the relationship between religious apocalyptic beliefs and disaster preparedness motivations in the United States. Four focus groups were convened with members of the American public who reported holding religious beliefs that included an end-times doctrine. Findings include the following: 1) estimations of likelihood, impact and response efficacy were not significantly influenced by religious end-times beliefs; 2) beliefs in biblical prophesy did not alter the cognitive heuristics that have been shown to influence personal risk assessment; 3) spiritual beliefs motivated spiritual preparedness while material or secular concerns motivated actual completion of FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency]-recommended preparations; and 4) millennialist beliefs provided high spiritual self-efficacy, but it did not correlate with high material self-efficacy, which is essential to material preparation. Recommendations are made for leveraging high spiritual self-efficacy in millennialist faith groups to further DHS's [Department of Homeland Security] mission of disaster resiliency. Suggestions include building a Threat/Efficacy profile specific to the religious populations that holds strong eschatological beliefs, with distinctions between pre-, post- and amillenialism, as well as Christian and non-Christian populations." An 8-minute, 28-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=704310]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Albertazzi, Anne Marie
2011-12
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Ending America's Energy Insecurity: How Electric Vehicles Can Drive the Solution to Energy Independence
From the thesis abstract: "The homeland/national security threat posed by the United States' dependence on foreign oil has been part of the American discourse for years; yet nothing has been done. No pragmatic, realistic step-by-step plan has been pursued to end this scourge on the American people. The solution can be found in the problem. Net imports of oil account for approximately 50 percent of the oil the U.S. consumes. Likewise, 50 percent of oil consumed in the U.S. is consumed as motor gasoline. If overnight the U.S. stopped using oil to power its vehicles, if overnight drivers switched to electric vehicles, then overnight the U.S. would become energy independent. Using historical data to establish the effect of gasoline price changes on consumer vehicle choice, a predictive model has been created showing the expected switch to electric vehicles if the price of gasoline increases and the cost of electric vehicles decreases. There is a cost to energy independence: two to five dollars per gallon of retail gasoline sold. If monies raised from the tax are used to lower the price of electric vehicles, build recharge infrastructure, and dampen the regressive nature of the tax, energy independence is a few short years away."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Stein, Frederick
2011-12
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Aviation Security: A Case for Risk-Based Passenger Screening
From the thesis abstract: "Since September 11, 2001, the United States has invested considerable resources to improving aviation security. Despite technology and procedural improvements, passenger screening remains subject to much criticism. Challenges to the current approach include the assumption that all passengers pose a risk; the reactive responses to new threats that are applied broadly to all passengers; high levels of threat uncertainty; a focus on objects versus people; and time constraints on completing the screening process. Combined, these challenges adversely impact performance and result in poor public acceptance of government efforts to protect the commercial aviation sector from terrorist attacks. Questions persist regarding the long-term efficacy and sustainability of the current approach and the availability of a better model. The approach used by Israel and a risk-based approach that calibrates security measures to groups of passengers based on risk are two frequently offered alternative screening models. This thesis evaluates the current and alternative models using security effectiveness, risk mitigation, constitutional permissibility, social acceptance, and political feasibility as evaluation dimensions. This evaluation of policy options allows a side-by-side comparison of the three models and demonstrates that adopting a risk-based security approach to passenger screening is the best option for the U.S. government to pursue."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Fletcher, Kenneth C.
2011-12
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Smart Practices in Building Interorganizational Collaborative Capacity to Strengthen the Florida Comprehensive Disaster Management Enterprise
From the thesis abstract: "This research demonstrates how the building of Interorganizational Collaborative Capacity served as an enabler for effective change efforts in Florida and constructs a narrative describing smart practices that may be leveraged by other professionals to enhance their own interorganizational collaborative capacity and efficiency efforts. Florida is viewed by many professionals as one of the best-prepared states in the field of emergency management. It built a credible reputation over the past 20 years through increasingly effective responses to catastrophic hurricanes, floods, tornados, wildfires, tropical storms and environmental threats. In particular, the Florida State Emergency Response Team evolved during this time as a result of many change efforts following the initial response to Hurricane Andrew in 1992, an event viewed by many as the initial starting point for the creation of the modern Florida emergency management era. This research examines Florida's Comprehensive Disaster Management evolution from 1992 to 2004 using after-action reports for major emergency events utilizing Hocevar, Thomas and Jansen's model of Inter-organizational Collaborative Capacity and focuses on the factors that served as catalysts for increased interagency cooperation and efficiency."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hall, Richard D.
2011-12
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No Failure of Imagination: Examining Foundational Flaws in America's Homeland Security Enterprise
From the thesis abstract: "Current United States (U.S.) policy vis-à-vis the nation's homeland security enterprise is built on a fatally flawed foundation. It is based on a top-down, federal-centric model rather than on a constitutional model that develops capability for resilience, response, protection and preparedness for crises. The issues leading to this flawed foundation go back to the inherent constitutional tension between the federal and state governments. Historically, when confronted by national-level crises, the federal government has based its actions and mandates on flawed metapolicy addressing all possibly related issues, rather than directing effort at solving the major crisis at hand. In so doing, the preemption of power, and the coercion through funding and regulation have been results unto themselves. The crisis that encapsulates homeland security today is as wide and amorphous as the crisis confronting America at the time of the Great Depression. Both crises involve Constitutional, social, financial, and political issues of extreme complexity. In addition, both resulted in significant expansion of federal prerogatives. This thesis seeks to examine the metapolicy behind the reaction to such severe and yet amorphous crises and to suggest courses of action that--within the bounds of existing political reality--can redirect today's homeland security enterprise in a more effective manner. The research looks at historical and legal concepts, and conducts an in-depth review of similarities between the New Deal era and the modern homeland security era." A 14 minute, 17 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=704314].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Freed, Judson M.
2011-09
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Homeland Security Organizations: Design Contingencies in Complex Environments
From the thesis abstract: "Protecting America from terrorism, natural disasters, and other threats has never been more important or as complex an endeavor as it is today. From asymmetrical warfare to economic meltdown, the environments are increasingly unstable, dynamic and complex, yet many U.S. homeland security organizations are designed around a 19th century model created for the Industrial Age. Information Age challenges demand new ideas for organizational design. Traditional mechanistic and hierarchical bureaucracies must be re-examined. This thesis explores case studies that include an intelligence organization fighting bioterrorism and a military unit battling insurgents in asymmetrical warfare. Case study research was selected to examine 'how' and 'why' questions related to organic organizational design in dynamic and complex environments. Organic designs provide a better fit because they leveraged three critical capabilities for these environments: communication dissemination, sense-making, and timely conversion of information to action. This fit is accomplished through elements, such as decentralized decision authority, emergent leadership, low specialization, low formalization, use of liaisons, and a reliance on performance controls, which in turn, contribute to decentralized allocation of decision rights, unconstrained patterns of interaction, and broad distribution of information. Organizations of the future will benefit from the insights that emerged from this research." A 19 minute, 30 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=704318].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Madia, James D.
2011-09
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Management of the Severely Mentally Ill and Its Effects on Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "As a result of the events of September 11, 2001, law enforcement agencies nationwide have been assigned a plethora of terrorism prevention and recovery related duties. Many federal documents outline and emphasize duties and responsibilities pertaining to local law enforcement. The prevention of acts of terrorism within communities has become a focal point of patrol activities for state and local police agencies. Simultaneously, local law enforcement is dealing with the unintended consequences of a policy change that in effect removed the daily care of our nation's severely mentally ill population from the medical community and placed it with the criminal justice system. This policy change has caused a spike in the frequency of arrests of severely mentally ill persons, prison and jail population and the homeless population. A nationwide survey of 2,406 senior law enforcement officials conducted within this paper indicates that the deinstitutionalization of the severely mentally ill population has become a major consumer of law enforcement resources nationwide. This paper argues that highly cost-effective policy recommendations exist that would assist in correcting the current situation, which is needlessly draining law enforcement resources nationwide, thereby allowing sorely needed resources to be directed toward this nation's homeland security concerns." Supplemental statistical information for this thesis may be found at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=797023]. A 15 minute, 10 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link:[https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=704313]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Biasotti, Michael C.
2011-09
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Vulnerability of Social Networking Media and the Insider Threat: New Eyes for Bad Guys
From the thesis abstract: "Social networking media introduces a new set of vulnerabilities to protecting an organization's sensitive information. Competitors and foreign adversaries are actively targeting U.S. industry to acquire trade secrets to undercut U.S. business in the marketplace. Of primary concern in this endeavor is an insider's betrayal of an organization, witting or unwitting, by providing sensitive information to a hostile outsider that negatively impact an organization. A common existing technique to enable this breach of sensitive information is social engineering--the attempt to elicit sensitive information by obscuring the true motivation and/or identity behind the request. Social engineering, when coupled with the new and widespread use of social networking media, becomes more effective by exploiting the wealth of information found on the social networking sites. This information allows for more selective targeting of individuals with access to critical information. This thesis identifies the vulnerabilities created by social networking media and proposes a mitigation and prevention strategy that couples training and awareness with active surveys and monitoring of critical persons within an organization."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lenkart, John J.
2011-09
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Transportation Security Administration's Four Major Security Programs for Mass Transit - How They Can Be Improved to Address the Needs of Tier II Mass Transit Agencies
"The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established four major programs for the security of mass transit against terrorism. This thesis examined how these programs can be improved to address the terrorism security needs of the nation's 51 transit agencies in urban areas classified as Tier II. Homegrown terrorism represents a new and changing threat to Tier II regions. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) and The National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies examined the DHS [Department of Homeland Security] risk analysis methodology. Both identified problems with the risk analysis methodology used for the distribution of TSA's security program resources. This thesis used the interview and policy options methodologies to find ways to improve these security programs. The focus of the study was on high level strategic goals of increasing law enforcement officers, and increasing explosives detection canine teams for Tier II transit agencies. Strategic recommendations for achieving these goals and other tactical considerations are enumerated. These recommendations and considerations will be forwarded to the Transit Police and Security Peer Advisory Group (PAG) that advises the TSA on these types of issues. If the PAG finds them to be of merit, it may choose to present them to the TSA." A 6-min, 19-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 723430]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Joyce, John P.
2011-03
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Freed: Ripples of the Convicted and Released Terrorist in America
"The release of convicted terrorists from American prisons is inevitable. This thesis frames and initiates discourse about this unexplored phase of the terrorism continuum. Utilizing a grounded theory approach, we arrive at four findings: (1) we do not yet know to what extent convicted and released terrorists pose a threat; (2) convicted terrorists are treated no differently from an administrative or social standpoint from most other criminals; (3) the American public knows very little about convicted and released terrorists; and (4) there is no defined entity responsible for convicted and released terrorists. We then extrapolate the political, social, and legal implications of these findings, including whether our theoretical or structural frameworks are adequate to the threat. How might such a threat be measured or determined, by whom, and with what policy consequences? We look at existing models ranging from sex offender registries to megacommunities and existing sociological theories of terrorism as potential tools with which to address this complex and interdisciplinary issue." An 8 minute, 8 second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=723434]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Brown, Michael A.
2011-03
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Effective Selection: a Study of First-Line Supervisor Selection Processes in the Department of Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Leadership is crucial in any organization. Executive leadership provides guidance, direction and structure. First-line supervisors ensure that the vision, guidance and direction of executive leaders become reality in an organization, and they also are responsible for the morale and motivation of nonsupervisory employees. Historically, federal agencies have struggled with developing and implementing selection processes that produce effective first-line supervisors. This research examines the four most important tenets of a selection process. These four tenets include laws and regulations that govern first-line supervisor selection processes, the accepted competencies associated with effective first-line supervisors, assessment tools used in the selection process and most effective measures in assessing organizational performance and first-line supervisors. Using a multi-method approach that includes survey data, interviews and policy review, this study compares first-line supervisor selection processes for effective and less effective federal agencies, as measured by the Federal Human Capital Survey (FHCS)/Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FedView). Finally, conclusions and recommendations are offered for developing standards and improving first-line supervisor selection processes in DHS [Department of Homeland Security] and the rest of the federal government." A 7-min, 53-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 723440]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kaminsky, Mark T.
2011-03
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New York City Urban Search and Rescue Team (NY-TF1): A Case Study of Interagency Effectiveness
"Since September, 2001, the New York City (NYC) emergency services have striven to more closely align their component disciplines into one coordinated and collaborative effort. Despite improvements in emergency management, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and New York City Police Department (NYPD) are still separate operational entities. An evolution in the terrorist threat challenges NYC emergency agencies and finds them unprepared for a complex terror event. Terrorist seek to divide first-responder efforts at such an attack. Evidence from the Mumbai attacks indicates an optimal response to a similar incident requires an unprecedented level of first-responder synergy. This thesis asserts that the synergistic elements in the New York City Urban Search and Rescue Task Force (NY-TF1) are applicable to the interagency challenges in the FDNY-NYPD response relationship. The methodology of this thesis is a single case study of NY-TF1 involving set of seven key leader interviews. Each discipline provided three levels of leadership confirmed the assertions of this thesis. The seventh interview, the senior civilian administrator for the New York City Urban Search and Rescue Task Force (NY-TF1), also supported this study's findings. The conclusions of this study are drawn from commonalities in the data collected. The FDNY and NYPD can achieve an emergency services synergy adapting NY-TF1 organizational designs and systemic processes into the greater response relationship." An 8-minute, 48-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 723432]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Duggan, Joseph, Jr.
2011-03
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Local Jurisdictions and Active Shooters: Building Networks, Building Capacities
From the thesis abstract: "The emerging threat of terrorism, specifically small unit active shooter attacks, is a concern for American law enforcement agencies. Events like Mumbai (November 26, 2008) and Beslan (September 1, 2004) demonstrate the vulnerability of local law enforcement officers in defending against multiple attackers and multiple locations. Smaller jurisdictions (populations less than 100,000 people) are challenged with administrative and operational capacities considerably more than larger jurisdictions. Therefore, smaller agencies must find ways to enhance their capacities within tightening budgetary constraints. To investigate this problem and find workable solutions, qualitative research methods of case studies and interviews were employed. Specifically, Mumbai, Beslan and two high-profile United States incidents (Columbine High School shooting (April 20, 1999) and North Hollywood Bank shoot out (February 28, 1997) were studied. Individuals from the U.S. cases were interviewed to explore information not necessarily documented. Data from the case studies and interviews were collated and reviewed for common themes. These themes were analyzed to draw conclusions on how smaller jurisdictions should proceed in building capacities to deal with active shooter scenarios. Findings suggest that smaller jurisdictions can build capacities by creating a megacommunity within local law enforcement. This includes developing systems to share smart practices, training for small unit attacks, and creating multi-jurisdictional interoperability standards."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Frazzano, Tracy L.
2010-12
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Countering Violent Extremism: The Challenge and the Opportunity
"It is crucial for the United States to confront the increasing incidence of Americans who turn to violence against their fellow citizens in support of Islamist terrorists. This thesis explores the application of 'soft power,' the government's ability to mitigate the recruitment and radicalization of new terrorists by attraction rather than coercion, in order to prevent 'homegrown' terrorism. Methods include a comparative policy analysis of counterterrorism models in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, a survey of conservative Muslim leaders in the Houston area, and an extensive literature review. Recent arrests portend an increasing threat if the United States continues along its 'hard power' path exclusively. Potential solutions require active engagement by government leaders, coordinated messaging, and continuing contact between government agencies and vulnerable communities. A broad national strategy, refined and implemented at a regional level, is required. Strategies that balance hard and soft power separate radicalizing influences from their recruiting pool, alter the social context of potential recruits in favor of democratic process, and make partners of potential antagonists. Regional Outreach and Operational Coordination Centers (ROOCC) offer a mechanism to develop and support strategies that combine government, nongovernment, and community leaders to combat terrorism at the ideological level."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Deardorff, Robert B.
2010-12
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Strategy for Upgrading Preparedness in Small and Rural Communities to Meet National Preparedness Standards
From the thesis abstract: "In order for the smallest units of government--towns, villages, small cities, and rural areas--in the least populated areas of the country to successfully meet the national preparedness, response, recovery, and interoperability goals of the National Preparedness Guidelines, they must adhere to the compliance metrics of the National Incident Management System [NIMS]. This ensures personnel and resource accountability as well as successful multiagency coordination during times of disaster. Efforts by small towns and rural areas to meet NIMS compliance standards have been problematic. Failure of some units of government to meet these requirements has affected their ability to effectively respond to and recover from major disasters, as evidenced when coordinating with resources outside their immediate area or NIMS-compliant agencies. NIMS is built around the concept that all units of government and all disciplines from the federal to the local level must not only understand their role during incident response but also have the ability to seamlessly interoperate with each other and account for personnel and resources to successfully manage an incident. This research examines the reasons for the inability of some small towns and rural areas to meet these preparedness standards. The research findings drive the proposed solutions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Stigler, Mark G.
2010-12
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Where Do I Start? Decision Making in Complex Novel Environments
"Threats to our country have never been more real, nor had more potential to impact large populations of Americans. From the homeland defense perspective, some ideology-based groups have the ability and intention to attack the United States in ways that we as a nation have never imagined. As our world grows more complex and unpredictable, our first responders need tools to enable them to operate in this space. This thesis focuses on how decisions are made in complex novel environments. Using Grounded Theory methodology, interviews were conducted with public safety personnel who had past experience managing incidents that matched the study criteria. Aspects of Complexity Theory and Recognition-Primed Decision Making were identified as core components. Based on these findings, a descriptive process model was developed that modifies the existing Recognition-Primed Decision Making model in order to account for novel situations, in addition to those cases where the decision maker has previous experience. The Exploration and Exploitation Decision Making model (Ex2DM) is based on actual practices by both law enforcement and fire-rescue professionals. With an understanding of the unique characteristics of complex environments and how decisions are made under these conditions, public safety personnel will be better prepared to manage complex incidents." An 11-minute, 10-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 723414]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Diaz, Sara Katherine
2010-09
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Making Sense in the Edge of Chaos: A Framework for Effective Initial Response Efforts to Large-Scale Incidents
"A review of response efforts to 9/11 revealed considerable challenges to resolving an event of this magnitude. To cope with these challenges, the federal government created the National Incident Management System (NIMS), an organizational structure intended to manage resources and channel communication between disparate agencies working together to solve a catastrophic crisis. Yet, first responders who have been on-scene at large-scale events know there is an initial phase of chaos during which the forms, checklists and organizational structure of NIMS offer them little help for making sense of the situation. A large-scale event moves through the four phases of the cynefin framework: chaotic, complex, complicated and simple. First responders must insert themselves into the initial chaos and begin to move it toward complexity. NIMS, then, becomes a valuable tool in the complicated arena to help restore the simple order of pre-event normalcy. This thesis draws from sensemaking theory, human resource management literature, social science and biological science foundations to create a framework for first responder use during the initial chaos inherent in large-scale incidents. It recommends expanding NIMS to include recognition and discussion of this initial phase. Using a combination of classroom and scenario-based training, it also suggests a template to better educate first responders." A 9-minute, 7-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 723428]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Renaud, Cynthia E.
2010-09
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Before the Emergency: A Framework for Evaluating Emergency Preparedness Alternatives at Higher Education Institutions
From the thesis abstract: "This research gathered information about the ways in which 10 higher education institutions (HEIs) in the U.S. are currently making decisions about which emergency preparedness activities to pursue and how those most familiar with emergency management at HEIs think that these decisions should be made. Using this information, in concert with principles from the field of decision analysis, a conceptual framework was developed to enable decision makers to evaluate proposed preparedness alternatives using a normative approach to decision making. A simplified version of the framework was then presented to demonstrate how a proposed preparedness activity could be evaluated using the model and how several proposed alternatives could be compared to one another. In addition to presenting an analytical framework for evaluating preparedness options, recommendations were offered for optimizing preparedness and preparedness decision making at HEIs. These recommendations centered on the organizational structure of an emergency management program, including roles and responsibilities; strategic planning efforts specific to emergency management; and innovative practices currently being utilized by the HEIs involved in this study." A 7-minute, 19-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 723429]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Wilson, Laura L.
2010-09
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Strategic Policy for Pandemic Vaccine Distribution
"The traditional public health model for mass vaccination, which is based on the assumption that workforce will be sufficient to mount a campaign, is flawed. Funding initiatives by Congress, while addressing certain inadequacies, have failed to consider workforce capacity that continued to decline resulting from state and local budget cuts. Thus, as the nation prepared for its first pandemic in 40 years and first of the twenty-first century, it found itself unprepared for a mass vaccination campaign. This thesis explores pandemic vaccine distribution, contrasting Department of Health and Human Service guidance with pandemic gap analyses and the recent H1N1 vaccination campaign. An analysis of the literature revealed that unresolved state and federal distribution issues contributed to distribution delays during the H1N1 call for mass vaccination. Policy analysis was used to evaluate public health and private sector vaccine distribution models, and a third hybrid model was proposed to improve support for public health emergencies. Adoption of the hybrid model will enhance the vaccination process from production through distribution along with administration to support U.S national security interest in biosecurity. The hybrid model offers a strategic solution for pandemic vaccine distribution and proposes a new approach for efficient, rapid distribution of biological countermeasures." A 11-minute, 8-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 723426]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Russo, Thomas P.
2010-09
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Enhancing FBI Terrorism and Homeland Security Information Sharing With State, Local and Tribal Agencies
"This thesis examines FBI [Federal Bureau of Investigation] terrorism and homeland security information sharing with state, local and tribal homeland security agencies mandated by presidents Bush and Obama, and the U.S. Congress. The thesis compares this 'status quo' with three new proposed approaches that use technology and modify the FBI 'routine use' exceptions to the Privacy Act to improve overall FBI information sharing. The thesis rates the following approaches: (1) 'status quo,' (2) new homeland security 'routine use' exception, (3) Discoverability of Information and (4) XML Segregation of Information. All four options are analyzed using a two-phase analysis to determine their effectiveness and likelihood of successful implementation. The effectiveness is evaluated by judging the information shared, the privacy protected and the security of each approach. The likelihood of successful implementation is evaluated by judging the impact of FBI cultural resistance, fiscal performance, utilization of technology and training requirements. This thesis proposes the implementation of all three proposed approaches to enhance overall FBI terrorism and homeland security information sharing."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Gomez, Peter L.
2010-09
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Filling the Gap between NIMS/ICS and the Law Enforcement Initial Response in the Age of the Urban Jihad
"The National Incident Management (NIMS) and Incident Command Systems (ICS) are important tools that can be adapted to establish command and control in coordinating some aspects of the response and recovery phases of many major incidents, including some types of terrorist attacks. These command and control paradigms, however, are heavily reliant on communications technology and other social and organizational preconditions, and may fail to adequately support the initial law enforcement response to some types of incidents, such as the attacks that occurred in Mumbai, India and Lahore, Pakistan. This thesis will suggest that recent developments in tactics employed by terrorists in India, Pakistan and elsewhere demand an urgent re-examination of the urban policing model currently employed in the United States. The American urban policing model is well suited for response to ordinary domestic criminal activity and, through the use of command and control tools such as NIMS, works adequately for many unusual occurrences. The NIMS-based model alone, however, including the current National Response Scenarios, seems ill suited for response to acts of paramilitary terrorism. American law enforcement may require a supplemental response paradigm that envisions an effective initial response when faced with degraded communications capabilities and uncertain command and control structures."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Moody, Theodore J.
2010-09
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Homeland Security within State Departments of Agriculture: Success Factors and Barriers to an Effective Security Program
From the thesis abstract: "The food and agriculture sector in the United States is vulnerable to attack. One solution is to ensure that homeland security programs within the state departments of agriculture have the necessary support and resources. However, there is little understanding of the abilities and capabilities of state departments of agriculture related to homeland security initiatives. The challenge is that these programs tend to fall between agriculture and homeland security programs. This research involved interviewing representatives of 24 state departments of agriculture to identify success factors and barriers related to homeland security programs. Respondents reported multi-state agriculture groups, public-private partnerships, and organizational structure as success factors in building successful homeland security programs. This research found that lack of information sharing, a disconnect between the federal and state government, and inadequate funding created barriers to the implementation of constructive homeland security programs. To better position the homeland security programs within state departments of agriculture, this research provides several recommendations. Given the diversity of the roles and responsibilities in agriculture agencies, it is not possible to develop a model program for every state. These recommendations identify components of a model program that agencies could selectively use to enhance the effectiveness of homeland security programs."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Blackwood, Matthew Joseph
2010-09
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Impact of Incentives and Requirements on Group Collaboration
"In the aftermath of catastrophic incidents that have stressed emergency response capabilities there is a growing national awareness that risks and threats exist that are complex, wide reaching, and will require a response effort that crosses jurisdictional boundaries. Response to these incidents will require a coordinated regional response effort that did not exist in many areas prior to 9/11. In an effort to build a regional response capability, as well as the collaborative regional infrastructure to support it, DHS [Department of Homeland Security] has committed grant funding to the emergency response community. Regional collaboration is a condition of receipt of these funds. Because collaboration has been required, it is difficult to know whether cooperation is the result of that requirement or whether it is the result of a cultural norm that values collaboration. It is also unclear whether groups that were created due to federal requirements are meeting to collaborate or meeting to fulfill requirements. The purpose of this thesis is to further the national dialogue about regional collaboration and its dependence on federal grants, as well as gauge the success of groups created due to grant requirements."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Jardine, Sheryl
2010-09
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Identifying Best Practices in the Dissemination of Intelligence to First Responders in the Fire and EMS Services
"September 11, 2001 thrust the fire service into the world of intelligence but the evolution of its involvement has been slow and challenging. The evolving role in the intelligence process presents unprecedented challenges. This expanded role has presented an opportunity to contribute to the homeland security prevention and protection mission in addition to their traditionally recognized role in response and recovery. As fire service participation expands and the macro level sharing of intelligence between the fire service and the intelligence/law enforcement communities becomes more recognized as a matter of course, it will be necessary for fire service agencies also to develop internal mechanisms of disseminating intelligence to field level personnel. If field level personnel do not receive timely, credible, and actionable information, driven by the intelligence process, before, during and after an incident, their lives, as well as the lives of the public they are trying to help, can be jeopardized. This thesis presents research to answer the question, 'how can information and intelligence be better disseminated to local first responders to enhance situational awareness, provide a higher degree of responder safety, and better protect the public?' Structured interviews were conducted to examine existing models being used to disseminate intelligence to first responders who were surveyed to determine what type of intelligence they preferred to receive, and in what format they would prefer to receive it. The findings revealed that first responders want intelligence products in an easily accessible concise format available in real time."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Richardson, Thomas Joseph
2010-09
