NCJ Number
190530
Journal
Journal of Homeland Security Dated: March 2001 Pages: 1-10
Date Published
March 2001
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This document proposes a definition of homeland security and challenges some assertions regarding defense of the homeland.
Abstract
The working definition of Homeland Security (HLS) is the prevention, deterrence, and preemption of, and defense against, aggression targeted at United States territory, sovereignty, population, and infrastructure as well as the management of the consequences of such aggression and other domestic emergencies. HLS is not synonymous with national security. America’s national security interests extend far beyond the territory and population of the United States. Maintaining the security of the homeland is a vital national interest and acknowledged as one of the government’s basic responsibilities. Securing the homeland is not a new mission area for the military. The missions and functions that the military performs in support of HLS can be divided into two major groupings: Homeland Defense (HLD) and Civil Support (CS). HLD missions include fairly traditional warfighting tasks where the Department of Defense often plays a leading role. CS missions are support tasks where the military is not in the lead, but instead provides assistance to designated civilian authorities and agencies on either a case-by-case or a continuing basis. Sovereignty Preservation includes missions such as protecting the environment from international polluters, and protecting marine resources inside the United States. Keeping the homeland secure cannot be accomplished solely by the military. The first layer of defense will be preventing the development of the means and will to attack the United States. The second layer of defense consists of measures to detect and neutralize attacks against the country. The third layer is the capability to quickly deal with the consequences of an attack or from other civil emergencies. Focus points for the future of the homeland include: determining real threats to the Nation and using resources appropriately; publishing a general strategic concept for HLS; rethinking the priority currently placed upon some CS missions; and improving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attack responses. 22 endnotes