Homeland Defense Research Articles

Space, Cyberspace and Interface: The Trouble with Google Maps

Space, Cyberspace and Interface: The Trouble with Google Maps

MILITARY TRANSFORMATION IN EUROPE'S NEUTRAL AND NON-ALLIED STATES

Austria, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland share a commitment to military non-alliance as a common Cold War legacy. But divergent threat perceptions and interpretations of neutrality have shaped their subsequent military transformation, leading to co-operation inside the EU and with NATO for most and a focus on homeland defence or domestic tasks for some.

Toward “Flexible Uniformity”? Civil Service Reform, “Big Government Conservatism,” and the Promise of the Intelligence Community Model

As the Obama administration pieces together its own civil service reform program, it may find solutions to key reform challenges in an oft-overlooked Bush administration human resource management initiative in the national security arena. While press and scholarly attention focused largely on the administration’s reform efforts at the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense, discussed at length in the article by Kellough, Nigro, and Brewer in this symposium, the development of a common personnel framework across the U.S. Intelligence Community went relatively unnoticed. The author argues that human resource management changes made pursuant to the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 provide a potential model for the Obama administration as it addresses three key reform challenges that have long plagued policymakers: replacing the General Schedule with a modernized approach to compensation and classification, achieving a balance between uniformity at the executive branch level and flexibility at the agency level, and reconfiguring the Senior Executive Service.

Role of Spatial Data in the Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Homeland Defense

This paper examines how the use of spatial analysis techniques and geographic information systems may assist in developing a more complete understanding of underlying solutions trends and properties in complex optimization problems. In the model, an attacker with multiple attractive targets and multiple entry points into the region attempts to find a complete network path offering the highest probability of non-detection by a defender who has allocated detection resources to reduce arc non-detection and who wishes to minimize this maximum attacker path (this problem is a direct variant of the shortest path network interdiction problem). This paper introduces spatial analysis techniques to analyze defender resource allocation and attacker path selection in two sample networks (Lancaster-Palmdale, California and Northridge, California). The resulting discussion begins to examine how network diversity and other problem parameters can impact observed defender/attacker solutions and illustrates the importance of this knowledge in the making and evaluating of governmental and public policy decisions.

Whole-cell aquatic biosensors

The use of various whole-cell organisms as tools for monitoring water contaminants is reviewed and evaluated. Their suitability and value for assessing a range of environmental problems from the impact of pollution, homeland defense issues, conservation, and the long-term degradation and recovery of ecosystems is discussed. Guidelines are provided for the choice of appropriate bioreporter organisms, transducers, and immobilization methods. Examples of the use of a broad spectrum of whole-cell bioreporters in assessing a variety of environmental problems are summarized.

4.2.1 Multi‐scale performance evaluation in Naval Combat Systems domain

AbstractPerformance evaluation of modern and future combat systems in complex operating scenarios is strictly related to modeling and simulation techniques. A “multi‐scale” methodology is employed to evaluate performances of naval combat systems in multi‐platform operating scenarios (e.g. naval fleet, border control, homeland defence and security) through numerical simulation tools, named ICS‐Sim (Integrated Combat Systems Simulation). ICS‐Sim allows integration of software simulations models with high degree of accuracy to analyse and evaluate systems performances for studying innovative algorithms (e.g. asymmetrical threats contrast) integrated in a systems of systems simulation environment.

Location optimization of strategic alert sites for homeland defense

This research uses a location analysis approach for selecting aircraft alert sites for the defense of important national areas of interest identified by the US Department of Defense. Solutions are generated in a two step approach where the minimum number of sites is first identified using the location set covering problem and then the result is improved by finding the minimum aggregate network distance or p-median solution from the alternate optimal solutions to the LSCP. This approach also identifies the p-center solution to the problem ensuring equitable response to all areas of interest. Sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the impact of altering aircraft launch and flying times on the number of required alert sites and the amount of coverage provided by selecting fewer locations. Results indicate a significant increase in the number of alert locations needed in comparison to original military estimates. The research points out significant implications about future military base closure decisions and the trade-offs between cost and required response times of aircraft in a defense emergency.

Field Identification of Unknown Gases and Vapors Via IR Spectroscopy for Homeland Security and Defense

Most chemical detection devices used today by emergency response teams in hazardous gas or vapor events are designed to classify unknowns, at best into broad categories. Consequently, there is a significant demand for precise, sensitive, and broadly-applicable technologies to serve as a primary information resource to identify unknown chemicals in air-monitoring scenarios. Herein, we focus on Fourier transform IR spectroscopy as a highly specific method to identify unknown gases and vapors for homeland security and defense applications. The ruggedized, portable device features a miniaturized Michelson interferometer, a 44-cm path length gas cell, an external sampling interface, and an on-board computer system. Samples are collected with provided hardware and identified by an automated, correlation-based search algorithm that compares unknown spectra to a library of 5500 reference spectra consisting of toxic industrial chemicals and materials, chemical warfare agents, organic solvents, and a variety of other hazardous materials. The hardware and software are designed for use by emergency response teams and military personnel. Details of the system and performance, in addition to how the information is useful particularly in the context of the information provided by other common detection-based devices, are discussed.

Intelligence and Its Role in Protecting Against Terrorism

The art and science of gathering critical operational intelligence has been defined in many ways and is beyond our needs for this writing. Throughout the course of history, many wars have been fought depending heavily on various forms of intelligence. During our most recent actions in the War on Terror, intelligence analysis has played a critical role in both offensive and defensive operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. With such varying fact-finding techniques available and utilized in the defense of our country, it has become an arduous task to collect, decipher, package, prioritize, disseminate, and act upon everything that comes down the pipe.Intelligence is even more important in homeland defense and security. Our society is suspicious of intrusions on personal liberties. Mandated identity cards, restricted vehicle access and random searches of airline passengers are generally not well received. That makes it especially important to prevent terrorist attacks by interdicting the terrorists and their resources before they can reach their targets. The primary means of accomplishing this is through a combination of intelligence and law enforcement work.

APL Prize for Device Yielding Fast Antibiotic Resistance Readouts

Five researchers at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) received the APL invention of the year award for their device that can rapidly identify whether microbial pathogens are resistant to antibiotics. The prototype isoMS-drug-array depends on proprietary algorithms to interpret results of stable isotope mass spectrometry (MS) analyses. Once refined, this analytic package could be used for forensic purposes in homeland defense settings, in clinical microbiology laboratories, and for research and development of antimicrobial drugs, according to Plamen Demirev of APL and his fellow awardees Miquel Antoine, Andrew Feldman, Nathan Hagan, and Jeffrey Lin.

Optofluidic platforms based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering

We report recent progress in the development of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based optofluidic platforms for the fast and sensitive detection of chemical and biological analytes. In the current context, a SERS-based optofluidic platform is defined as an integrated analytical device composed of a microfluidic element and a sensitive Raman spectrometer. Optofluidic devices for SERS detection normally involve nanocolloid-based microfluidic systems or metal nanostructure-embedded microfluidic systems. In the current review, recent advances in both approaches are surveyed and assessed. Additionally, integrated real-time sensing systems that combine portable Raman spectrometers with microfluidic devices are also reviewed. Such real-time sensing systems have significant utility in environmental monitoring, forensic science and homeland defense applications.

The U.S.–Japan alliance and the future of extended deterrence

Abstract North Korea's redoubled efforts to perfect its nuclear weapon and missile capabilities have focused attention on the issue of deterrence in Japan, as some political leaders question whether their country's defense posture and its alliance with the United States will continue to be adequate to deter potential North Korean coercion or aggression. China's nuclear weapons and military modernization programs are causing similar concerns. The key issue, however, is how well deterrence and extended deterrence (underwritten by the United States) will function in East Asia, given the dramatic changes in the regional security environment and recent U.S. arms-control initiatives. Precisely when Tokyo is placing greater emphasis on homeland defense issues, Washington is emphasizing maximum flexibility to fight insurgencies and prevent nuclear terrorism around the world. While Japan is taking keener interest in the U.S. nuclear umbrella, the United States is planning for deeper cuts in its nuclear arsenal. Th...

Department of Homeland Security national planning scenarios: a spectrum of imaging findings to educate the radiologists

Following the events of the September 11th attack, there has been an increasing concern about the possibility of a future attack on our homeland. In response, the United States Department of Homeland Defense has planned for a future attack by formulating multiple scenarios which may occur in the event of such a disaster. Radiology will play a key role in each of these scenarios, assisting with triage, diagnosis, and therapy of the large populations which potentially could be involved. This article describes some of these scenarios as well the response which will be expected of the radiology community in the event of such a disaster.

Vacuum Fluctuations in Optical Metamaterials Containing Nonlinear Dielectrics

analytes, including those used in forensic analysis and organic pollutants. The zero-point noise level is highest for shortest-wavelength plasmons and decreases towards long-range plasmons. It may be tailored through a convenient design of the metamaterial structure. Since noise spectral power is proportional to the nonlinearity of the analyte species present, we considered the possibility to use zero-point noise as an auxiliary tool for identification of targeted nonlinear samples. We believe that our investigation could be of importance in homeland defence, forensics, biomedicine, etc.

Home Time: A New Paradigm for Domestic Intelligence

Americans have always been ambivalent about internal security and homeland defense. In times of crisis, they are willing to give up some measure of privacy and accept the erosion of normal libertie...

Capabilities Based Assessments Made Easy

The process prescribed in this workbook is a departure from traditional CBAs. That being said, it has been vetted through the Joint Requirements Oversight Council's (JROC) Joint Analytic Data Management (JADM) Council and was implemented for the Homeland Defense/ Civil Support (CBA). It was also nominated at the 76th Military Operations Research Society (MORS) Symposium at the US Coast Guard Academy for the Richard Barchi Prize in 2008. The process promises to speed up the time required to conduct a CBA by helping you avoid common pitfalls with lessons learned from past CBA practices, and by providing you with a 6-month license to a Microsoft Excel®-based program to help automate the risk-assessment component of the CBA. Whether you are a government employee conducting a CBA or a government contractor providing CBA support or writing a proposal, this workbook will help you devise a better approach to CBAs and better ensure success in your endeavors.

Continental and Homeland Security

Surrounded by oceans and friendly neighbours, and faced throughout the Cold War with a direct threat to its territory against which there was no effective defence (nuclear armed ballistic missiles), the United States has historically looked mainly overseas to guarantee its security. To many outside observers, the obvious American response to the terrorist attacks of n September 2001 might have been to focus less on measures abroad and more on those at home. After all, the strikes themselves shattered the notion that oceans and friendly borders made the United States less vulnerable to direct threats to its territory than countries not so fortunate in their geography. And terrorism is arguably a type of threat against which it may be possible to develop some effective defences. Yet the Bush administration's overwhelming response to the 9/11 attacks was to concentrate on the away game, whether it was direct American intervention in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, or assistance to other governments in combating terrorism in places like the Philippines and Africa.Despite its overseas orientation, the Bush administration arguably - and not surprisingly, given the terrorist attacks - devoted more attention to continental and homeland security than previous US administrations. It is this portion of America's overall security and defence activity that is the focus of this article. It begins by highlighting key developments in continental and homeland security during the Bush administration. It then examines the degree to which such issues figured in the 2008 presidential election and makes a projection as to how they may progress under the Obama administration. Finally, the article puts forward some thoughts about the implications for Canada of future developments in continental and homeland security.THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S HERITAGE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND DEFENCEThe Bush administration launched a number of measures in the civilian-led (homeland security) and military-led (homeland defence) arenas. On the civilian side it at first resisted significant institutional change, choosing instead to set up an Office of Homeland Security within the White House to coordinate America's homeland security efforts. Under congressional pressure, the administration eventually consented to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in March 2003 to bring together many ofthe dozens of agencies involved in some aspect of homeland security in the United States, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, Customs and Border Patrol and the Transportation Security Administration, which had been created after 9 /11 to ensure the security of America's airports, railways, and subways.Since that time, Homeland Security has taken initiatives in all ofthe sea, land, and air dimensions of homeland security. A significant portion of its effort has been in the area of port security, with the primary concern being that a weapon of mass destruction could be smuggled into the United States in one ofthe thousands of containers unloaded on US docks each day. Under the container security initiative, ships leaving for the United States must transmit their manifest to the US destination port before leaving the foreign port. Once they arrive on US soil, close to 100 percent of all containers are scanned for radiation, up dramatically from a small percentage just a few years ago. Initiatives pertaining to the land dimension of homeland security include the smart border accord negotiated between Canada and the United States soon after the 9 /11 attacks to ensure the continued smooth flow of trade, and the follow-on security and prosperity partnership among Canada, the United States, and Mexico, signed in 2005. Beyond these initiatives, DHS has deployed numerous unmanned aerial vehicles to patrol both borders, especially the southern one, and dramatically increased the number of border patrol agents. …

Securing the Intangible: The Continuing Need to Improve Morale at DHS

This essay briefly examines the problems of staff morale at the Department of Homeland Security and what has been, and needs to be done to correct it. As this piece was written for the 2008 Center for Homeland Defense and Security Essay Competition, which limited entries to five single-spaced pages, the examination does not include in-depth analysis of public management principles, but instead attempts to shed new light on the results of the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places to Work in Government survey, looking at DHS in two ways: 1) as a unique federal department in its focus on proving a negative, i.e. its mission to prevent terrorist attacks, yet at the same time 2) as an organization not insulated from its sister departments, but instead has crucial interrelationships with the national security operations of other agencies. Both of those characteristics of the nature of DHS should be taken into account in the comprehensive strategy needed to improve workforce morale and efficiency.

Analogical Reasoning and Complexity

The article explores the use of analogical reasoning to understand homeland defense and security issues. Analogical reasoning relies on the analysis of historical precedents. While much value can be inferred from examining historical precedents, accelerated change in contemporary societies decrease its relevance for understanding future events. This article considers whether complexity theory can complement the analogical approach. We formulate a theory of global violence and instability based on analogical reasoning and complexity theory to explicate why violent events persist despite countermeasures taken to contain them. This theory elucidates the phenomenon of escalating violence and explains why movements that perpetrate violence do not quickly mellow. We conclude with testable propositions and suggestions about the practical relevance of the theoretical framework for containing contemporary violence.

Shaping the Future of the North American Economic Space

Canada faces challenges to its living standards and economic position that the events of September 11, 2001, exacerbated. Although made-in-Canada efforts are required to improve our productivity performance, access to the US market is essential but less assured than it was. Paradoxically, a window of opportunity is now open because of the United States' current openness to its friends and neighbors. Canada should decide how to take advantage of this opportunity. With power so dispersed in the US political system and with the Bush administration's exclusive focus on homeland security and defense, only a Big Idea will succeed, one that addresses US objectives while creating new economic opportunities for Canada. This Commentary explores three such ideas - each of which would be a step toward removing remaining bilateral economic barriers. One idea is a customs union, which could be created by adopting a common tariff or a common external trade policy toward the rest of the world, allowing free circulation of goods and services within the common area. A second idea is a common market, which would free up the movement of people and flows of capital and technology, and common institutions could administer common standards, regulations, and policies that must be harmonized throughout the economic space. The third idea is a pragmatic strategic bargain that Canada would initiate to achieve its objectives. Canadian initiatives would be required in areas of interest to the United States, specifically border security, immigration, and defense. Energy security is another key area where Canada should build on its existing strengths. In exchange for these initiatives, Canada should seek customs-union- and common- market-like arrangements that achieve deeper integration but recognize deep attachments to political independence and distinctive national institutions. As part of the package, Canada should seek to eliminate troublesome barriers to people, trade, and foreign direct investment. Negotiations would be needed to curb US trade remedy laws that continue to harass softwood lumber producers; strengthen dispute settlement mechanisms; and develop the much-delayed common competition policy needed for industries that support growing North American production networks.