What Role for DOD Intelligence in Support of the Homeland Security Mission?

• Main Author: Anderson, Amanda
• Other Authors: ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: Military Intelligence; *HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE; UNITED STATES; THESES; MISSIONS; TERRORISM; EO(EXECUTIVE ORDER); NORTHCOM
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA432748; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA432748

The attacks of 11 September 2001 brought the emphasis for security of the homeland into sharp focus. Had the government assumed too much risk to the nation's security by not aggressively exploiting the means and ways to collect information domestically, even if it would have infringed on the liberties of United States persons? Is it time to relook the Executive Order (EO) that established provisions limiting intelligence collection on United States persons to better leverage Department of Defense (DoD) intelligence assets in support of homeland security? I will examine the basic tenets regarding the balance of security and freedom that underpin our democratic governance, the history of the EO, and how other democratic systems handle this challenge. As information is passed between different levels of agencies, to include within the DoD, greater opportunity for risks to overstep boundaries is tempered by the value that DoD intelligence assets can bring to the challenges of homeland security. Within DoD, the creation of NORTHCOM may have already blurred the line concerning use of DoD assets to collect information on U.S. persons. Lastly, potential recommendations will be provided regarding the issue to include whether policy change regarding use of DoD assets is necessary.