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Real-time Information Extraction for Homeland Defense
"The National interest in Homeland Defense was the farthest thing from most American's minds prior to the horrific attacks of the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. The worst nightmares of many Department of Defense leaders and technologists had been realized. Our Country was hit, and hit hard. No longer could we take for granted our borders, our way of life, or our freedom. For a short while, no cost was to high to re-secure these basic privileges of American life. But the practicality of manning and equipping airports, seaports, power plants, water supply, borders, and many other American Infrastructure entities demanded a more comprehensive and cost effective way of defending our homeland. One practical investment is in the Nation's network of airborne warning ground based radar systems that are deployed throughout the United States and Canada to monitor any air traffic entering either of these countries. This system of networked radars was designed with the philosophy that threats would originate outside the borders of the United States and Canada. The system worked so well, that when thoughts of expanded capability presented themselves, they were abandoned in favor of more (apparent) pressing issues. This paper addresses this system of systems, and how with some insertion of technology, it can absorb its share of the National Homeland Defense."
Air Force Research Laboratory (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio). Embedded Information Systems Branch
Satterthwaite, Charles P.; Corman, David Ellis; Herm, Thomas S.
2002-06
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Department of Homeland Security, June 2002
"Since September 11, all levels of government have cooperated like never before to strengthen aviation and border security, stockpile more medicines to defend against bioterrorism, improve information sharing among our intelligence agencies, and deploy more resources and personnel to protect our critical infrastructure. The changing nature of the threats facing America requires a new government structure to protect against invisible enemies that can strike with a wide variety of weapons. Today no one single government agency has homeland security as its primary mission. In fact, responsibilities for homeland security are dispersed among more than 100 different government organizations. America needs a single, unified homeland security structure that will improve protection against today's threats and be flexible enough to help meet the unknown threats of the future. The President proposes to create a new Department of Homeland Security, the most significant transformation of the U.S. government in over a half-century by largely transforming and realigning the current confusing patchwork of government activities into a single department whose primary mission is to protect our homeland. The creation of a Department of Homeland Security is one more key step in the President's national strategy for homeland security."
United States. White House Office
2002-06
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Department of Homeland Security
The President's most important job is to protect and defend the American people. Since September 11, all levels of government have cooperated like never before to strengthen aviation and border security, stockpile more medicines to defend against bio-terrorism, improve information sharing among our intelligence agencies, and deploy more resources and personnel to protect our critical infrastructure. The changing nature of the threats facing America requires a new government structure to protect against invisible enemies that can strike with a wide variety of weapons. Today no one single government agency has homeland security as its primary mission. In fact, responsibilities for homeland security are dispersed among more than 100 different government organizations. America needs a single, unified homeland security structure that will improve protection against today's threats and be flexible enough to help meet the unknown threats of the future. The President proposes to create a new Department of Homeland Security, the most significant transformation of the U.S. government in over a half-century by largely transforming and realigning the current confusing patchwork of government activities into a single department whose primary mission is to protect our homeland. The creation of a Department of Homeland Security is one more key step in the President's national strategy for homeland security.
United States. Executive Office of the President
2002-06
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Commercial Vehicle Travel Time and Delay at U.S. Border Crossings
"One of the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA's) strategic goals is to help improve the economic efficiency of the U.S. transportation system and, thereby, enhance the nation's position in the global economy. One way to address this need is to reduce the hours of delay for commercial motor vehicles passing through the northern and southern ports-ofentry with Canada and Mexico. The border crossing process is one of the few elements in logistical planning and execution that today is almost completely beyond the control of both motor carriers and shippers. Predicting with certainty the time needed to transit a border crossing is difficult. In 2001, FHWA's Office of Freight Management and Operations, supported by Battelle and the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), undertook an on-site review of seven ports-of-entry that handle over 60 percent of U.S. truck trade among the three NAFTA nations. Linked with research now under way to simulate border-crossing activity using a model called 'Border Wizard,' these site reviews will enable FHWA to make informed recommendations about crossing improvements. The results also will help the agency to engage with other federal, state, and local jurisdictions in constructive dialogue about how, together, all can improve the performance, security, and mobility of commerce at these important international locations."
United States. Department of Transportation; United States. Federal Highway Administration
2002-06
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H. Rept. 107-482: Providing for Consideration of H.R. 3129, Customs Border Security Act of 2001, Report to Accompany H. Res. 426, May 22, 2002
House Report 107-482. The Committee on Rules, having had under consideration House Resolution 426, by a non-record vote, reports the same to the House with the recommendation that the resolution be adopted. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3129, the Customs Border Security Act of 2001, under a structured rule. Topics of amendments to be considered include: Drug Enforcement and Other Noncommercial and Commercial Operations; Child Cyber-Smuggling Center of the Customs Service; U.S. Customs Service; Antiterrorism Provisions; and Textile Transshipment Provisions.
United States. Government Printing Office
2002-05-22
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Homeland Security Office: Issues and Options [May 20, 2002]
"President George W. Bush created the Office of Homeland Security (OHS) within the Executive Office of the President after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as a federal focal point for coordinating domestic efforts against terrorism. [...] Such a high-level unit, it was hoped, could bring direction and coherence to federal homeland security-related activities that were spread among more than 40 different departments and agencies. Yet OHS has been controversial almost since its inception. Despite some high-profile results such as highlighting priorities in the President's FY2003 budget and negotiating a border security accord with Canada, OHS remains very much an organizational work in progress-one seeking to carve out a unique identity and mission. [...] Proposals have been introduced in Congress, in the Administration and in various think tanks for reorganizing OHS, reshaping its mandate, or replacing it with an entirely new federal agency. Whether the Office will continue to exist in its present form is by no means assured; ultimately, its future character may well be influenced less by its ability to coordinate the federal terrorism response than by its ability to create a new dialogue on anti-terrorism coordination between federal authorities and their state and local counterparts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Rensselaer W., 1937-
2002-05-20
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President Signs Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act [May 14, 2002]
These are remarks by President Bush at the signing of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act. The bill enhances efforts to strengthen the borders by authorizing additional manpower, strengthening current requirements for ships and aircraft, and encouraging information sharing by modernizing communications.
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
Bush, George W. (George Walker), 1946-
2002-05-14
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Public Law 107-173: Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002
"An Act to enhance the border security of the United States, and for other purposes."
United States. Government Printing Office
2002-05-14
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Forcible Displacement of Palestinians to Jordan: A National Security Crisis
From the thesis abstract: "After several rages of war, ongoing and consistent state violence against the Palestinian mainstream and way of life, the diasporas of Palestinian refugees, across the Arab world and especially into the Hasemite Kingdom of Jordan have become an issue of grave concern. The Palestinian refugee issue is a derivative of the expulsion of millions of Palestinians after the creation of the State of Israel in 1948, and after the 1967 Six-Day War, (which resulted in Israel occupying the West Bank and Gaza Strip). As long as their land is still illegally occupied territory, the Palestinian refugee issue will be of great concern. Most of the new wave of refugees would likely try to settle into Jordan, since over 1.5 million Palestinians already settled there. After narrowing the scope to Jordan, one can see the economic and political impact that a new wave of Palestinian refugees would have on Jordan's national security. After going through various effects on national security, ranging from exhausting of resources (supply not enough to meet demand) to increased levels of frustration of refugees in Jordan that could lead to civil chaos and uprisings, a resolution can be developed from two options. These options are assessed on lasting solution, capability of implementing, and the political cost for Jordan's image as a moderate state. First, and highly preferred, is the political option, in which Jordan poses as the maintainer of regional stability, playing a key role in diplomacy and adherence to UN Resolutions. The second option, and last resort, would be a purely military option, which would entail the military closure of Jordanian borders to a new wave of refugees. Military leaders would be briefing the political leaders of potential effects and consequences of a military option, as well as the increased readiness of the Jordanian Army to prevent any elements that could provoke an internal crisis."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Al khazleh, Mahmoud F.
2002-05-08
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Nuclear Nonproliferation: U.S. Efforts to Help Other Countries Combat Nuclear Smuggling Need Strengthened Coordination and Planning, Report to the Ranking Minority Member, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate
"Illicit trafficking in or smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive materials occurs worldwide and has reportedly increased in recent years. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency1 (IAEA), as of December 31, 2001, there had been 151 confirmed cases of illicit trafficking of nuclear material since 1993. (See app. I for more information about nuclear smuggling cases.) A significant number of the cases reported by IAEA involved material that could be used to produce a nuclear weapon or a device that uses conventional explosives with radioactive material ('dirty bomb') to spread radioactive contamination over a wide area. Nuclear material can be smuggled across a country's border through a variety of means: it can be hidden in a car, train, or ship, carried in personal luggage through an airport, or walked across an unprotected border. Many nuclear smuggling cases have been traced to nuclear material that originated in the countries of the former Soviet Union. The United States, through the Department of Energy's Material Protection, Control, and Accounting (MPC&A) program, has helped these countries secure nuclear material at civilian and defense facilities-this effort is considered the first line of defense against potential theft and/or diversion of nuclear materials. To address the threat posed by nuclear smuggling, the United States is helping these countries improve their border security-a second line of defense-but these assistance efforts face daunting challenges3. For example, Russia alone has almost 12,500 miles of borders with 14 countries, including North Korea. It is also in close geographical proximity to Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq."
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-05
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Customs and INS: Information on Inspection, Infrastructure, Traffic Flow, and Security Matters at the Detroit Port of Entry
There is an expressed concern "...about the post-September 11 environment of heightened security along our nation's borders, particularly regarding passenger and cargo delays at the two Detroit Port of Entry land-border crossings. GAO obtained information on U.S. Customs Service and Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) inspection resources, traffic flow patterns, inspection infrastructure issues, security issues, and potential long-term solutions and options to increase traffic flow and enhance security at the bridge and tunnel."
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-04-22
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Strengthening Homeland Security Since 9/11 [April 11, 2002]
This statement outlines how the federal government has strengthened homeland security since the September 11th terrorist attacks. The summary includes law enforcement activities, border and port security, transportation security, health and food security, environmental and energy security, and citizen engagement.
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2002-04-11
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Remarks by Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge to the American Society of Newspaper Editors [April 11, 2002]
In these remarks, Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge discusses the war on terrorism both at home and abroad. He reiterates the importance of the military, the nation's first responders, and intelligence agencies in the struggle to combat terrorism. Director Ridge also commends President Bush's new homeland security budget which increases the number of first responders, creates 'smart borders', improves the nation's biodefense capability, and promotes information-sharing throughout all levels of government.
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2002-04-11
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H. Rept. 107-405: Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act of 2002, Report to Accompany H.R. 3983, April 11, 2002
"The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to whom was referred the bill (H.R. 3983) to ensure the security of maritime transportation in the United States against acts of terrorism, and for other purposes, having considered the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass. […] This bill establishes a comprehensive national antiterrorist system that increases the security of maritime transportation and reduces the risk of the maritime transportation system being involved in a terrorist incident. The U.S. Coast Guard is the primary Federal agency with responsibility for the safety and security of vessels, ports, waterways, and their related facilities. Since the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, the Coast Guard has implemented a number of tough new security measures under existing statutory authorities contained in the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1221 et. seq.), and in section 1 of title II of Public Law 65-24, June 15 1917, as amended (50 U.S.C. 191). The United States maritime borders include 95,000 miles of open shoreline, 361 ports, and an Exclusive Economic Zone that spans 3.5 million square miles. The United States relies on ocean transportation for 95 percent of cargo tonnage that moves into and out of the country. Each year, more than 7,500 commercial vessels make approximately 51,000 port calls, and more than six million loaded marine containers enter U.S. ports."
United States. Government Printing Office
2002-04-11
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Review and Assessment of United States Strategy to Combat Terrorism
The striking difference between the terrorism on September 11, 2001 (9/11), and previous terrorist events was the magnitude and success of these attacks in a society where it never happened before. In response, the Bush administration is leading a worldwide campaign against terrorism. Using unclassified sources, this research project reviews and assesses United States strategy to combat terrorism. The strength in evolving U.S. strategy to combat terrorism lies in its dependence on all elements of national power ranging from diplomacy, international cooperation and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement and military force. These initiatives should be continued. This paper will discuss the strengths and deficiencies of selected elements in U.S. counter-terrorism policy and recommend changes to increase effectiveness of U.S. strategy to combat terrorism. Overall, the U.S. strategy appears to be effective. However, specific elements in U.S. strategy - organizations to combat terrorism, diplomatic policy to strike at roots of terrorism anti-Americanism, intelligence collection, allied and coalition involvement in counter-terrorism, use of the military, border controls, the media, and WMD nonproliferation - must be improved in order to make it more effective.
Army War College (U.S.)
Rainer, Richard A., Jr.
2002-04-09
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Global Economy - Fertile Soil for Future Conflict
The future prosperity and security of the United States is inextricably tied to the global economy. The growing number of multinational corporations and their complex network of foreign? investments, production and marketing across international borders will continue to gain power and influence with far reaching consequences. International financial institutions such as the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank are significant forces shaping the global economic playing field that individual nation states must use. Regional trade associations and agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the European Union all influence global economic conditions and limit the sovereign decision rights of involved governments. The global economy is not inclusive and many underdeveloped, poor and marginalized nations are excluded from participation. The United States and other nations benefiting from the global economy face a future of asymmetric security threats and increased humanitarian crises in these left-behind' nations. There will be frustration, poverty, unrest and disillusionment in these marginalized nations. The global economy has the potential to spawn expanded global terrorism and to widen the gap between the haves and have-nots. The terrorist strikes of 11 September 2001 against the United States' symbol of economic strength and power, the World Trade Center, and against the symbol of our military might, the Pentagon, are profound proof that disenfranchised extremist groups will target the United States' hegemonic leadership of the global economy. This paper assumes that the global economy will continue to exponentially expand among the industrialized and technologically advanced nations of the world. It examines the global economy's characteristics and main players, and explores its benefits, drawbacks, opportunities, challenges and potential future sources of conflict.
Army War College (U.S.)
Leblanc, Stephen G.
2002-04-09
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Redressing National Guard Personnel Shortages: Umanned Aerial Vehicles
The National Guard's mission is continually transforming and must do so to stay viable and meet the Nation's needs. The National Guard's mission of Homeland Security may include the war on drugs, defense against terrorism on high-value targets, and border security for our national, territorial, and state borders. In view of the tragedy on 11 September 2001, the National Guard's mission, under the auspices of homeland security, is continually expanding without significant additions in manpower or operating funds. Doing more with stable or decreasing resources requires innovative thinking to effectively perform these expanded missions. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and drones could provide state-of-the-art technology to offset the manpower drain. Further, because it has a stable workforce to provide research data, the Air National Guard is an ideal organization for testing unmanned aerial vehicles and drone surveillance technology.
Army War College (U.S.)
Gilbert, Ruth A.
2002-04-09
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Coast Guard's Coming of Age: The New Normalcy of Maritime Homeland Security
Recent terrorist attacks on the sovereignty of the United States have rocked the nation's sense of security. The integrity of the U. S. air, land, and maritime borders integrity is no longer assured. Of particular concern is maritime defense and security along the extensive American coastline, especially given the volume of foreign trade. Maintaining a sea defense on a 24-hour basis for a maritime country such as the United States is both impractical and unsustainable. The best protection of our maritime borders comes from a robust intelligence gathering, synthesizing, and dissemination system. Using accurate, real time intelligence, can the nation marshal its limited maritime resources against the correct targets and establish a dynamic defense system that can deter, detect, and intercept unwanted intrusions of U.S. shorelines? This study analyzes defense of the homeland from a maritime perspective. It will also address the rising importance of Maritime Homeland Security, describe functions the Department of Defense presently performs in defending the maritime border, and assess the Coast Guard's current and future deter, detect, and intercept' role on a post-September 11th security and defense environment.
Army War College (U.S.)
Kaser, Richard M.
2002-04-09
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Defending the Homeland: Working at the Seams
Joint Doctrine dictates that we will train as we intend to fight. By staying trained and ready, our military is able to execute its constitutional responsibility of protecting America, its people, its borders, and its global interests. If the tragic events of September 11, 2001 are a sign of what's ahead, then the way we train must also focus on non-traditional threats at home. Most importantly, we must forge new training partnerships with local, state, and federal civilian responders in order to strengthen the civil-military seams in the effort to ensure domestic preparedness. The recent creation of the Office of Homeland Security and a new combatant command responsible for homeland defense, represent sweeping organizational changes in DoD and the federal government. These changes demand a new approach to training readiness as the military maps its doctrine tor civil support. The international security environment is fraught with many challenges. This paper examines existing response capabilities at the local, state, and federal levels to determine the adequacy of our current response mechanism. It explores the roles, missions, and functions of the key actors, while assessing the training programs at each level. The paper looks at current organizational structures and operational concepts for securing and defending the homeland at every level in order to ascertain whether existing response systems adequately prepare for the security challenges in the new environment. Finally, focusing on JFCOM's training support role, this paper will recommend a solution set where DoD assumes an expanded role to meet America's training requirements that helps synchronize national assets for homeland defense.
Army War College (U.S.)
Ruiz, Benigno B.
2002-04-09
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Plan Colombia, Consequences for Venezuelan National Security
Consequences of the implementation of Plan Colombia for Venezuela. If Plan Colombia accomplishes the strategic goal (50% reduction in cocaine production), and narcotics trafficking groups move into Venezuela, the government will have to commit its Armed Forces but, under unequal military and technological conditions when compared to Colombia. Plan Colombia will also promote massive migration towards Venezuela as well as the displacement of subversive/paramilitary groups looking for safe havens. The security and defense of the Colombian border does not depend on the Venezuelan Armed Force exclusively. It also depends on the coordination of the various sectors involved in the nation's development. It is imperative to offer greater security and well-being assurance to the people of the border area in order to increase their presence in such an important region. Consequently, Security and Development are an indissoluble pair at the time of protecting the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of our nation. Plan Colombia poses complex challenges to Venezuela and these must be carefully considered.
Army War College (U.S.)
Arroyo, Alfredo P.
2002-04-09
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Ukraine and U.S. Security
From the thesis abstract: "Ukraine is strategically located in Europe, bordering both Russia and the NATO countries of Hungary and Poland. it possesses a great deal of potential for developing into a European power. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, U.S. strategy toward Ukraine has lacked a broad, strategic foundation; rather, it has been narrowly focused and short-sighted. Future U.S. policy should focus on assisting Ukraine to become more westernized. American diplomats should seek the support of two key multi-national institutions - the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - to achieve the desired end state of integrating Ukraine with Western Europe. While the United States must use the entire spectrum of elements of power, these two multinational institutions can further U.S. efforts to establish democratic capitalism and privatization in Ukraine and in setting the security framework for the region."
Army War College (U.S.)
Grey, Daniel G.
2002-03-22
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for the 107th Congress [Updated March 20, 2002]
"The United States and Mexico have a special relationship under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which removes trade and investment barriers between the countries. The friendly relationship has been strengthened by President Bush's meet- ings with President Fox in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Major issues of concern to Congress are trade, immigration, drug trafficking, and political rights. [...] On March 4-5, 2002, Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge and other U.S. officials visited Mexico to explore opportunities to improve border security. On March 9, 2002, Mexican authorities announced the arrest of drug lord Benjamin Arellano-Felix and the probable death of his brother Ramon Arellano Felix in a police shoot-out a month earlier. On March 14, 2002, the authorities announced the arrest of Manuel Herrera Barraza, another key figure in the Arellano Felix organization. On the days prior to President Bush's upcoming visit to Monterrey, Mexico, on March 22, 2002, to attend the International Conference on Financing for Development and to discuss bilateral issues with President Fox, press accounts suggest that he was considering proposals to create a new border control agency and that he would offer to provide $30 million in U.S. assistance for poor areas in Mexico under the U.S.-Mexico Partnership for Progress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-
2002-03-20
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Gov. Ridge, Deputy P.M. of Canada Discuss Smart Border Plan [March 8, 2002]
This transcript includes the March 8, 2002 joint statement of Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and Deputy Prime Minister of Canada John Manley in which they discuss the progress made in the Smart Border Action Plan.
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2002-03-08
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Governor Ridge Speaks at Embassy in Mexico [March 4, 2002]
This transcript includes the March 4, 2002 remarks of Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Mexico. Ridge discusses way the U.S. and Mexico can make their countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous. "Together, we will find better ways to combat international terrorism. More broadly, we will find better ways of protecting the important human and economic interests at the heart of the U.S. - Mexican ties. We have a remarkable demographic relationship and one of the most dynamic and modern trading relationships in the world today. And so much of these hinges on the way we manage the long border that joins our two countries."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2002-03-04
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Homeland Defense: Ramping Up, But What's the Glide Path?
"The attacks of September 11, 2001 have brought about massive increases in spending for homeland security and have established defense of the homeland as a primary responsibility of the Defense Department. DoD's most recent Quadrennial Defense Review clearly states that defense of the continental United States has become a top priority for the military: 'The highest priority of the United States military is to defend the nation from all enemies. The United States will maintain sufficient military forces to protect the U.S. domestic population, its territory and its critical defense-related infrastructure against attacks emanating from outside U.S. borders as appropriate under U.S. law.'"
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Contemporary Conflict
Bravo, IIiana P.
2002-03
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Sub-Regional Cooperation in East Central Europe
This thesis analyses the sub-regional cooperation in East Central Europe. It argues that the changed security environment after the fall of the Iron Curtain made the states of the region realize the need for close cooperation in order to meet the requirements of membership of the larger security institutions. It draws upon the example of the Hungarian-Pomanian joint Peacekeeping Battalion as an example of military cooperation at the sub- regional level. Sub-regional cooperation and organizations are perfect tools for EU candidate countries in preparing for the enlargement. The mutual interest of the involved states and the criteria of the expansion itself in this phase already brought stability to the region. Sub regionalism develops and prepares the economies, the infrastructure of the aspirant countries and helps consolidates their democracies. Since good-neighboring relations is one of the requirements for membership, sub-regional cooperation with the cross-border contracts that include every level of society promote tolerance between ethnic groups and helps overcome the historical real or fictitious injustices and promotes good relations between nations.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Terek, Ksalman
2002-03
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Serial No. 107-148: Improving Security and Facilitating Commerce at the Southern Border: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources of the Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventh Congress, Second Session, February 22, 2002
The purpose of this hearing is to explore the status of border crossings in the Southeast Arizona region. This hearing focuses on what new resources are needed for the Federal Government to most effectively administer the border crossing, as well as what new policies could be pursued to ease the burden placed on commerce, travel, and tourism. We will also explore how the new emphasis on preventing terrorism may affect the ability of these agencies to carry out their other vital missions. Statements, witnesses and submissions: Ray Borane, Chris Roll, Larry Dever, Harlan Chapin, James Dickson, Donna De La Torre, David Aguilar, Jim Kolbe, John Shadegg, and Mark Souder.
United States. Government Printing Office
2002-02-22
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H. Rept. 107-355, Part 1: Cyber Security Research and Development Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 3394, February 4, 2002
"The Committee on Science, to whom was referred the bill (H.R. 3394) to authorize funding for computer and network security research and development and research fellowship programs, and for other purposes, having considered the same, report favorably thereon without amendment and recommend that the bill do pass. The purpose of the bill is to authorize funding for computer and network security education, research and development. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 brought into stark relief the Nation's physical and economic vulnerability to an attack within our borders. The relative case with which terrorists were able to implement their plans serves as a pointed reminder of the need to identify critical 'soft sports' in the nation's defenses. Among the Nation's vulnerabilities are our computer and communications networks, on which the country's finance, transportation, energy and water distribution systems, and health and emergency services depend. These vulnerabilities have called into question whether the Nation's technological research programs, educational system, and interconnected operations are prepared to meet the challenge of cyber warfare in the 21st century."
United States. Government Printing Office
2002-02-04
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Global Trade: America's Achilles' Heel
"Much has been written in the aftermath of September 11 on the porosity of America's borders and the failure of various agencies to share, fuse, analyze, and exploit available information to stop foreign threats before they enter the country. The resources and methods available to U.S. border control agencies appear to be no match for the myriad threats that could arrive from outside the country. Asymmetrical military and terrorist threats have a natural gateway into America via the marine transportation system. In the uncertainty following the September attacks, the immediate response of security services around the country-the Coast Guard included-was to shut down the systems under their control until measures were taken to ensure that additional attacks were not already in progress. These system stoppages were generally short-lived because the economic impacts were intolerable, not only in dollar costs but also in potential loss of access to the essentials of daily American life. The United States is a trading nation, both domestically and globally, and relatively unimpeded movement of goods and people is necessary for its economy to function. Given the importance of international goods and materials to the American economy, closing our borders for more than a short period is infeasible. Furthermore, with our growing reliance on just-in-time delivery of foreign goods, even slowing the flow long enough to inspect either all or a statistically significant random selection of imports would be economically intolerable. This notion-exploiting available information to discern threats and concentrate resources to stop them-is at the heart of the maritime domain awareness (MDA) concept."
National Defense University. Center for Technology and National Security Policy
Ross, Robert G.; Loy, James M., 1942-
2002-02
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Follow up Report on Border Patrol's Efforts to Improve Northern Border Security (Redacted Version)
"The purpose of this follow-up review was to examine the progress the Border Patrol has made in improving the security of the northern border since the OIG issued the original report, indicating that the Border Patrol faced significant enforcement challenges along the United States-Canada border and was unable to adequately respond to illegal activity, primarily because of a lack of sufficient staff and resources. The Border Patrol has made some improvements in enhancing its northern border operations. The INS's IBET/IMET initiatives to increase international and multi-agency cooperation should improve security. The northern border sectors have received increases in sensor systems, night vision devices, computer systems, and vehicles. The northern border has received minimal Border Patrol agent enhancements and no support staff enhancements. As of December 2001, only 368 full-time Border Patrol agents monitor the 4,000-mile northern border. This understaffing continues to offer an avenue for aliens, criminals, and terrorists to enter the United States illegally. Even though the Border Patrol agents are augmented by the temporary assignment of Border Patrol agents, an increase in sensor systems and other devices, the Border Patrol's current staffing and resources still cannot adequately assess or respond to illegal activity on the northern border."
United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General
2002-02