Concepts of Homeland Security and Defense

Concepts of Homeland Security and Homeland Defense
Student Name
University
HLSS302: Introduction to Homeland Security and Defense
Instructor Name Using Dr. or Professor
Due Date Formatted as Month, Day & Year
Concepts of Homeland Security and Homeland Defense
Introduction
The overall concepts of Homeland security and defense are central to shielding the people of the United States from a wide range of threats. This report will fully describe the primary tasks and responsibilities for both homeland security and defense and highlight any areas of common interest between the two. Additionally, it will provide a personal definition of homeland security and recommendations for addressing the top threat identified earlier.
Primary Topic Overview
Homeland security refers to the efforts of the federal government to protect the nation and its citizens from terrorist attacks and other security threats. It is a multifaceted effort encompassing various agencies, departments, and organizations (Biden, 2021). On the other hand, Homeland defense refers to the military's efforts to prevent attacks on the United States and its interests. The Department of Defense (DoD) is responsible for leading these efforts, which include the military's role in protecting U.S. airspace, territory, and military assets and providing support to civilian authorities in the event of a domestic crisis (Swalwell & Alagood, 2021).
Background and History
The concept of homeland security emerged in the wake of the 9/11 terror threats with the Department of Homeland Security creation in 2002 (Swalwell & Alagood, 2021). The DHS was established to coordinate and implement the national government's plans to counter threats and attacks and respond to any incidents that do occur. The department's duty is to protect the nation from various threats, including terrorism, cyber-attacks, natural calamities, and other emergencies. The Department of Defense (DoD) has always been responsible for protecting citizens from external threats through homeland defense (Lawson et al., 2020). The DoD's duty in homeland defense includes guarding U.S. airspace, land, and military assets and providing support to civilian authorities in the event of a domestic crisis.
Topic Discussion
Homeland security and defense have overlapping responsibilities, such as shielding critical infrastructure and essential resources and responding to disasters and emergencies (Kenter & Goldsmith, 2021). However, there are some vital differences between the two initiatives. Homeland security primarily focuses on curbing terror and other security threats within the United States, while homeland defense focuses on preventing external threats. Homeland security efforts are primarily led by civilian agencies, while the military primarily leads homeland defense initiatives. Homeland security efforts are also more focused on preventing terrorist and other security threats, while homeland defense efforts are more focused on responding to external military threats.
Primary Missions
The primary mission of homeland security is to curb terrorist attacks within the United States, while homeland defense is to defend the United States from external threats. Homeland security also includes efforts to protect the nation from other security threats, such as cyber-attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies (McIntyre, 2019). Homeland defense also includes measures to protect U.S. military assets and bases and to support civilian authorities in the event of a domestic crisis.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Homeland security tasks and responsibilities include border security, cybersecurity, disaster response, and critical infrastructure protection. The DHS, the FBI, the CIA, and other agencies carry out these tasks. Border security tasks and responsibilities include preventing illegal entry into the U.S., regulating legitimate travel, and intercepting illegal goods and weapons. The CBP, ICE, and other related agencies carry out these tasks. Cybersecurity tasks and responsibilities include detecting and preventing cyberattacks, protecting critical infrastructure, and responding to security threats (McIntyre, 2019). The DHS and other related agencies are responsible for carrying out these tasks. Moreover, disaster response tasks and responsibilities include providing emergency assistance, restoring essential services, and protecting the public during disasters. The FEMA and the National Guard agencies are responsible for carrying out these tasks. Also, critical infrastructure protection tasks and responsibilities include identifying and mitigating risks to critical infrastructure, such as communications networks, transportation systems, and energy and water supplies.
Homeland defense tasks and responsibilities include the defense of U.S. territory and airspace. The DoD is responsible for carrying out these tasks. This consists of the development of defense strategies, the management of milit...