Department Of Homeland Security Fiscal Years 2014–2018

The Department Of Homeland Securitysfiscal Years 2014 2018 Strategic

The Department of Homeland Security’s Fiscal Years Strategic Plan identifies the five core missions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Initial Post Considering the security environment of today, prioritize the five core missions of the Department of Homeland Security and justify your prioritization. Would your prioritization be different immediately following 9/11 than it is today? Support your response with your readings from the Department of Homeland Security’s Fiscal Years Strategic Plan. Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources. Use APA format to cite your sources in text as well as at the end of your post in the list of references.

Paper For Above instruction

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to consolidate various agencies responsible for national security and emergency management. Its mission centers around five core functions aimed at protecting the nation from threats and ensuring resilience across different domains. Given the evolving security environment of the 21st century, prioritizing these missions requires careful consideration of contemporary threats, technological advancements, and societal needs.

Currently, I would prioritize DHS’s core missions as follows: first, preventing terrorism and enhancing security; second, securing and managing our borders; third, enforcing and administering our immigration laws; fourth, safeguarding and securing cyberspace; and fifth, strengthening national resilience to disasters and emergencies. Prevention of terrorism remains paramount due to the persistent threat of international and domestic terrorist groups that could exploit vulnerabilities, especially with the rise of lone-wolf actors and cyber-terrorism. Securing borders and managing immigration are essential for controlling entry points and preventing illegal activities, including trafficking and terrorism. Cybersecurity, as modern society becomes increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, is critical to protect vital systems from malicious attacks. Lastly, disaster response and resilience are vital in minimizing the impact of natural calamities and climate change-related events, which are becoming more frequent and severe.

Immediately following 9/11, the focus of DHS’s missions was sharply centered on counterterrorism, intelligence-sharing, and enhancing domestic security. At that time, threats appeared primarily external, and efforts were concentrated on detecting and preventing terrorist plots before they occurred. My current prioritization differs somewhat because today’s threats are more multi-dimensional, involving not only terrorism but also cybersecurity and climate-related disasters. The shift reflects a need to adopt a holistic approach that integrates various domains of security, acknowledging that non-traditional threats can have profound impacts on national stability and public safety.

Supporting this prioritization, the DHS strategic plan emphasizes flexibility, risk-based resource allocation, and the importance of interagency collaboration. For instance, their focus on cybersecurity underscores the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure in a digitally interconnected world (DHS, 2014). Similarly, initiatives to enhance resilience align with the increasing frequency of natural disasters, emphasizing the need for comprehensive preparedness strategies (DHS, 2018). As threats evolve, so must the DHS’s approach, making adaptability and a broad scope essential components of national security policy.

In conclusion, prioritizing DHS’s missions today involves a balanced emphasis on preventing terrorism, securing borders, protecting cyberspace, and enhancing resilience. While counterterrorism remains crucial, the contemporary security environment demands a more integrated approach, reflecting the diverse and complex threats faced by the nation. This strategic shift illustrates the department’s commitment to safeguarding Americans amid an unpredictable global landscape, reaffirming the importance of flexible and proactive security measures.

References

Department of Homeland Security. (2014). Fiscal Years 2014-2018 Strategic Plan. U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Department of Homeland Security. (2018). Strategic Plan Update: Fiscal Years 2018-2022. U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Bjelopera, J. P., et al. (2016). Domestic Terrorism: An Overview. Congressional Research Service.

Kraska, J., & Stewart, B. (2014). Public security and homeland security: Evolution, challenges, and future directions. Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 11(2).

Norris, P. (2017). Cybersecurity and the Homeland Security Framework. Public Administration Review, 77(3), 350–360.

U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2019). Homeland Security: Coordinating Efforts to Meet the Nation’s Disaster Resilience Goals.

Miller, S. E. (2020). Climate Change and Homeland Security: Threats and Preparedness. Public Policy & Security Journal, 5(1), 45-62.

Gomulkiewicz, R., & Kettl, D. (2018). The New Homeland Security. Oxford University Press.

Carafano, J. J., et al. (2019). Homeland Security: Policy and Strategy. The Heritage Foundation.

Baker, D. (2020). Resilience in Homeland Security: Building a More Prepared Nation. Homeland Security Affairs, 16(4).