In todays story, I sum up a security conference held at California University of Pennsylvania Tuesday morning. Professor Bert B. Tussing, who works at the U.S. Army War College, believes the U.S. is vulnerable. Read a huge portion of my story below and tell me if you agree or disagree. CALIFORNIA — Although a multitude of catastrophes and natural disasters has tested the United States, many people have overlooked the idea of defending the homeland, according to Professor Bert B. Tussing. Without any contributions from the federal government, the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 left New Orleans in a state of disarray. The 9/11 attacks shook the U.S. to its core, testing each level of leadership. Today, the U.S. still is just as vulnerable, according to Tussing, who is the director of the Homeland Defense and Security Issues Center for Strategic Leadership at U.S. Army War College in Carlisle. California University of Pennsylvania held its seventh annual conference on Homeland and International Security Tuesday, which featured Tussing, Dr. Richard Hughbank and U.S. Army Capt. Eric Augustine. Hughbank elaborated on leadership in disaster response, while Augustine detailed the legal aspects of defense support of civil authorities. More than 150 people attended the conference, which also include professionals in the security and disaster management fields and the public. Understanding the risks facing the country is critical for society and every level of government and defense, Tussing said. Awareness is a key factor in the preparation for catastrophic events, and without changing the attitudes of Americans, the risk increases, he said. “We have become more complacent with our attitudes,” Tussing said during the conference. “The further we get from 9/11, the closer we get to 9/10.” Serving as the keynote speaker, Tussing discussed the vulnerabilities facing the U.S. and how it could impact its stability. Geographically, the U.S. has 2,000 miles of southern border and nearly 4,000 miles of northern border. More than 500 million people legally enter those borders, he said. In terms of terrorism, more than 300 internal and domestic terrorist groups exist in the country and 15 major organizations are affiliated with foreign terrorist groups in the United States, he said. Systems designed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are in place to protect the country. While the government does have a responsibility to be there for the people, more steps should be taken by each level of society and not just the government, he said.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 19:52:48 +0000
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