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Preventing the Entry of Weapons of Mass Effect into the United States
Title: Preventing the Entry of Weapons of Mass Effect into the United States
Date: January 10, 2006
Author: Weapons of Mass Effect Task Force
Institution: Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC)
Bibliographic Entry: Weapons of Mass Effect Task Force. “Preventing the Entry of Weapons of Mass Effect into the United States.” Washington, D.C.: Homeland Security Advisory Council, 2006.
Electronic Link: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/hsac_wme-report_20060110.pdf
Key Words: weapons of mass effect, WME, border security
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions:
The Homeland Security Advisory Council assigned a task force the duty of researching and developing recommendations for preventing the entry of weapons of mass effect (WME) and people who would use them into the United States. The taskforce consulted experts to better understand the current plans and system and to receive suggestions for improvement of the system. Several critical deficiencies were identified by the task force:
• Lack of systematic, risk-based approach to investment
• Dispersed capabilities, leadership and decision-making
• Lack of engagement of foreign partners
• Need to update deterrence concepts
• Need for greater urgency and prioritization of technological innovation investments
• Lack of citizen involvement.
The report recommends a WME prevention strategy with three main thrusts:
• Neutralize known terrorists
• Secure or destroy WME sources or key components
• Prevent WME transit.
The report focuses on the third thrust and offers recommendations that address major concerns. The recommendations are divided into four categories:
• Leadership
• Deterrence
• Risk and system management
• Innovation.
Name of Researcher: Lauren Obermeier
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: April 20, 2007