Assignment Prompt & Instructions
see attached.
– ## III.docx
– ## UnitIII2.pdf
– EBSCO-FullText-11_16_2025.pdf
**## III.docx**
For this assignment, you will write a critique of the article "9/11: Look Back and Learn,” which appears in the Required Unit Resources section of this unit. Your article critique must address the components listed below.
· The article’s premise, significant points in support of the premise, and the significance of these regarding homeland security and terrorism response efforts.
· Apply concepts covered in this unit and/or course to present an insightful and thorough analysis.
· Strong arguments and evidence must be used along with compelling interpretation. Be well organized and demonstrate critical thinking by clearly stating your own informed and substantiated opinion of the author’s premise and points.
· Conclude your critique by countering the author’s premise with your own opinion on what changes are still needed beyond reinvention of the U.S. intelligence community to prevent another 9/11. Incorporate unit concepts regarding the evolution and reevaluation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) policies to mitigate future attacks.
**Length**: Your article critique must be a minimum of three pages in length, not counting the title or reference pages.
**References**: You must use at least three sources other than the article to support your argument and interpretation; at least one source must be from the CSU Online Library. All sources used must have citations and references in APA Style. The Article Critiques tutorial can assist you in writing your article critique.
**Submission:** Save the submission as a Word document
**## UnitIII2.pdf**
HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 1
Course Learning Outcomes for Unit III
Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:
7. Examine lessons learned from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
7.1 Explore the imperative for intelligence reform to address national security threats.
7.2 Assess the evolution and reevaluation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS)
policies to mitigate future terrorist attacks.
Required Unit Resources
Chapter 4: The Development of Homeland Security
In order to access the following resources, click the links below.
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks. (2004). The 9/11 Commission report: Final report of the National
Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. https://9-
11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf
Zegart, A. B. (2020). 9/11: Look back and learn. Hoover Digest: Research & Opinion on Public Policy, 20(1),
92–97.
https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?dire
ct=true&db=asn&AN=141355024&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Unit Lesson
The attacks of September 11, 2001, were horrific and resulted in many deaths and injuries. In this unit, we will
examine the 9/11 attacks to see exactly what went wrong leading to this day and the lessons that were
learned. What would cause individuals to initiate such hateful acts? As indicated, these attacks resulted in a
great deal of deaths and injuries. These attacks occurred at the World Trade Center as well as the Pentagon
in Arlington, Virginia. A plane also crashed in Pennsylvania that did not hit its intended target. What would
make individuals board planes, take over the aircrafts, and intentionally crash these aircrafts? These aircrafts
had innocent passengers on them who also lost their lives.
A lesson that was learned from these terrorist attacks is the need for better communication and coordination.
When first responders arrived at these attacks, there were enormous difficulties with communication.
Responding agencies were unable to respond to one another. For example, the fire department was unable to
talk with and effectively communicate with the police department. What if the firefighters who were inside the
World Trade Center noticed signs of a potential collapse of the building and were able to notify the police?
This may have reduced the amount of causalities that occurred since the police could have stopped more first
responders from entering the building. This is an inordinate example of the need to have modernized
technology and communication efforts. The ability to have various agencies talk to one another is essential.
This would subsequently facilitate and improve communication during a disaster incident.
Could the attacks on 9/11 have been prevented? One form of prevention involves having the necessary
intelligence in place so that these attacks could be discovered at the earliest stages possible. Having the
appropriate officials working within these terrorist organizations to obtain information is relevant. Additionally,
having partners and informants within other countries may be necessary as well. Having a coalition of
partnerships is extremely necessary, and if such attacks are being planned, other partners may hear about it
first.
UNIT III STUDY GUIDE
Terrorist Attacks of 9/11
[https://9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf](https://9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf)
[https://9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf](https://9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf)
[https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=141355024&site=ehost-live&scope=site](https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=141355024&site=ehost-live&scope=site)
HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 2
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
Other than intelligence and building partnerships globally, what other measures may be taken to potentially
stop or mitigate a potential terrorist attack? Preparedness and planning are other aspects that are essential in
such situations. The ability to prepare and plan in advance as it relates to a potential attack is indispensable.
In the preparedness stages, all applicable stakeholders should be involved. These stakeholders should
include but not be limited to the federal, state, and local governments. Also, non-governmental organizations,
the private sector, and citizens should be involved in certain aspects of the preparedness and planning
stages. Thus, it is important to realize that homeland security should be a function of all. These preparedness
efforts should include constant communication, tabletop exercises, and routine evaluations. This type of
proactive approach is beneficial in mitigating or preventing a potential terrorist attack.
Due to the attacks of 9/11, the Office of Homeland Security was subsequently established. After such a
horrific attack that caused a massive number of casualties, changes were necessary and inevitable. The U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has many agencies working together to protect the homeland.
Moreover, therefore constant evaluation is important. Always looking at policies and practices and taking
proactive measures is necessary.
Additionally, due to the attacks of 9/11 Congress also initiated action (Oliver et al., 2021). The Uniting and
Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of
2001 (USA PATRIOT Act) was also established. The USA PATRIOT Act was a tool used by the appropriate
authorities to pursue terrorists and to mitigate such terrorist attacks. The USA PATRIOT Act was intelligence
focused, and it was at the foundation of defeating terrorist threats.
However, there has been opposition to this legislation. Some individuals state that this law gives too much
authority to law enforcement and that it may cross the line with people’s privacy. The main question that faces
homeland security professionals is as follows: How much personal privacy must be given up to protect the
safety of citizens? Due to these concerns and others, Congress allowed the USA PATRIOT Act to sunset in
late 2015. It was replaced with a more constrained act called the Uniting and Strengthening America by
Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 (USA FREEDOM Act). This act
was subsequently reauthorized in the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act of 2020.
Established by executive order in 2005 and launched in 2006, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning
System (IPAWS) modernized and integrated the nation’s alert and warning infrastructure. Included in this
system was the creation of the color-coded warning system for alerts, known as the Homeland Security
Advisory System (HSAS). In this system, green represented the least severe threat, and red presented the
most severe threat (Oliver et al., 2021). The purpose of this system was to keep the public informed about
potential threats. However, there were critics to this system. The opposition believed that the system created
an increase in unnecessary anxiety for the public. If the color-code system was raised, the public would be
extremely concerned that an attack was imminent. Also, many times when the alert level was raised an attack
did not occur, so some saw this system as ineffective.
DHS created the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) in 2011 to replace the color-coded HSAS. The
goal of NTAS was to communicate information more effectively about terrorist threats by providing timely,
detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation
hubs, and the private sector. This system utilizes bulletins and alerts to alert stakeholders of credible
information regarding terrorist activity. When warranted, the public and media are also alerted (DHS, n.d.).
Now let’s take a look back and determine if there was a way to prevent this attack based on what we
discussed. These terrorists obtained airline tickets and boarded four separate aircrafts. As stated previously,
the appropriate intelligence and partnerships may have been essential at this stage. Were there measures in
place to detect potential patterns of possible concerns? Also, we discussed the importance of building
coalitions and partnerships with other countries. Communicating and sharing information within the
intelligence community is warranted and essential. It would have been beneficial if these terrorists were
monitored by the intelligence agencies at an early stage to prevent the attack.
The next question that we should ask and examine is how we can be certain that significant progress has
been made to improve the process and ensure that another horrific attack such as 9/11 does not occur again.
As discussed, the Department of Homeland Security was created as well as a strong emphasis on improving
communication. We have also learned and discussed the importance of partnerships in defeating this threat.
Additionally, intelligence is extremely relevant in identifying potential terrorist attacks and mitigating these
HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 3
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
threats. It is prudent to constantly evaluate policies and procedures to ensure that resources are focused on
the appropriate issues. As learned from 9/11, it is relevant to focus on potential threats and prepare
accordingly.
References
Oliver, W. M., Marion, N. E., & Hill, J. B. (2021). Introduction to homeland security: Policy, organization, and
administration (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781284205213
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (n.d.). NTAS frequently asked questions. https://www.dhs.gov/ntas-
frequently-asked-questions
Suggested Unit Resources
In order to access the following resources, click the links below.
The following PowerPoint presentation provides a summary of the material in this unit’s chapter reading. The
PowerPoint and PDF versions are provided for your convenience.
Chapter 4 PowerPoint Presentation (Chapter 4 PDF)
[https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-135305352_1](https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-135305352_1)
[https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-135305351_1](https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-135305351_1)
– Course Learning Outcomes for Unit III
– Required Unit Resources
– Unit Lesson
– References
– Suggested Unit Resources
**EBSCO-FullText-11_16_2025.pdf**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/ebsco-fulltext-11-16-2025-pdf)
**EBSCO-FullText-11_16_2025.pdf**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/ebsco-fulltext-11-16-2025-pdf)
**## III.docx**
For this assignment, you will write a critique of the article "9/11: Look Back and Learn,” which appears in the Required Unit Resources section of this unit. Your article critique must address the components listed below.
· The article’s premise, significant points in support of the premise, and the significance of these regarding homeland security and terrorism response efforts.
· Apply concepts covered in this unit and/or course to present an insightful and thorough analysis.
· Strong arguments and evidence must be used along with compelling interpretation. Be well organized and demonstrate critical thinking by clearly stating your own informed and substantiated opinion of the author’s premise and points.
· Conclude your critique by countering the author’s premise with your own opinion on what changes are still needed beyond reinvention of the U.S. intelligence community to prevent another 9/11. Incorporate unit concepts regarding the evolution and reevaluation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) policies to mitigate future attacks.
**Length**: Your article critique must be a minimum of three pages in length, not counting the title or reference pages.
**References**: You must use at least three sources other than the article to support your argument and interpretation; at least one source must be from the CSU Online Library. All sources used must have citations and references in APA Style. The Article Critiques tutorial can assist you in writing your article critique.
**Submission:** Save the submission as a Word document
**## UnitIII2.pdf**
HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 1
Course Learning Outcomes for Unit III
Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:
7. Examine lessons learned from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
7.1 Explore the imperative for intelligence reform to address national security threats.
7.2 Assess the evolution and reevaluation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS)
policies to mitigate future terrorist attacks.
Required Unit Resources
Chapter 4: The Development of Homeland Security
In order to access the following resources, click the links below.
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks. (2004). The 9/11 Commission report: Final report of the National
Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. https://9-
11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf
Zegart, A. B. (2020). 9/11: Look back and learn. Hoover Digest: Research & Opinion on Public Policy, 20(1),
92–97.
https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?dire
ct=true&db=asn&AN=141355024&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Unit Lesson
The attacks of September 11, 2001, were horrific and resulted in many deaths and injuries. In this unit, we will
examine the 9/11 attacks to see exactly what went wrong leading to this day and the lessons that were
learned. What would cause individuals to initiate such hateful acts? As indicated, these attacks resulted in a
great deal of deaths and injuries. These attacks occurred at the World Trade Center as well as the Pentagon
in Arlington, Virginia. A plane also crashed in Pennsylvania that did not hit its intended target. What would
make individuals board planes, take over the aircrafts, and intentionally crash these aircrafts? These aircrafts
had innocent passengers on them who also lost their lives.
A lesson that was learned from these terrorist attacks is the need for better communication and coordination.
When first responders arrived at these attacks, there were enormous difficulties with communication.
Responding agencies were unable to respond to one another. For example, the fire department was unable to
talk with and effectively communicate with the police department. What if the firefighters who were inside the
World Trade Center noticed signs of a potential collapse of the building and were able to notify the police?
This may have reduced the amount of causalities that occurred since the police could have stopped more first
responders from entering the building. This is an inordinate example of the need to have modernized
technology and communication efforts. The ability to have various agencies talk to one another is essential.
This would subsequently facilitate and improve communication during a disaster incident.
Could the attacks on 9/11 have been prevented? One form of prevention involves having the necessary
intelligence in place so that these attacks could be discovered at the earliest stages possible. Having the
appropriate officials working within these terrorist organizations to obtain information is relevant. Additionally,
having partners and informants within other countries may be necessary as well. Having a coalition of
partnerships is extremely necessary, and if such attacks are being planned, other partners may hear about it
first.
UNIT III STUDY GUIDE
Terrorist Attacks of 9/11
[https://9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf](https://9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf)
[https://9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf](https://9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf)
[https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=141355024&site=ehost-live&scope=site](https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=141355024&site=ehost-live&scope=site)
HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 2
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
Other than intelligence and building partnerships globally, what other measures may be taken to potentially
stop or mitigate a potential terrorist attack? Preparedness and planning are other aspects that are essential in
such situations. The ability to prepare and plan in advance as it relates to a potential attack is indispensable.
In the preparedness stages, all applicable stakeholders should be involved. These stakeholders should
include but not be limited to the federal, state, and local governments. Also, non-governmental organizations,
the private sector, and citizens should be involved in certain aspects of the preparedness and planning
stages. Thus, it is important to realize that homeland security should be a function of all. These preparedness
efforts should include constant communication, tabletop exercises, and routine evaluations. This type of
proactive approach is beneficial in mitigating or preventing a potential terrorist attack.
Due to the attacks of 9/11, the Office of Homeland Security was subsequently established. After such a
horrific attack that caused a massive number of casualties, changes were necessary and inevitable. The U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has many agencies working together to protect the homeland.
Moreover, therefore constant evaluation is important. Always looking at policies and practices and taking
proactive measures is necessary.
Additionally, due to the attacks of 9/11 Congress also initiated action (Oliver et al., 2021). The Uniting and
Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of
2001 (USA PATRIOT Act) was also established. The USA PATRIOT Act was a tool used by the appropriate
authorities to pursue terrorists and to mitigate such terrorist attacks. The USA PATRIOT Act was intelligence
focused, and it was at the foundation of defeating terrorist threats.
However, there has been opposition to this legislation. Some individuals state that this law gives too much
authority to law enforcement and that it may cross the line with people’s privacy. The main question that faces
homeland security professionals is as follows: How much personal privacy must be given up to protect the
safety of citizens? Due to these concerns and others, Congress allowed the USA PATRIOT Act to sunset in
late 2015. It was replaced with a more constrained act called the Uniting and Strengthening America by
Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 (USA FREEDOM Act). This act
was subsequently reauthorized in the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act of 2020.
Established by executive order in 2005 and launched in 2006, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning
System (IPAWS) modernized and integrated the nation’s alert and warning infrastructure. Included in this
system was the creation of the color-coded warning system for alerts, known as the Homeland Security
Advisory System (HSAS). In this system, green represented the least severe threat, and red presented the
most severe threat (Oliver et al., 2021). The purpose of this system was to keep the public informed about
potential threats. However, there were critics to this system. The opposition believed that the system created
an increase in unnecessary anxiety for the public. If the color-code system was raised, the public would be
extremely concerned that an attack was imminent. Also, many times when the alert level was raised an attack
did not occur, so some saw this system as ineffective.
DHS created the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) in 2011 to replace the color-coded HSAS. The
goal of NTAS was to communicate information more effectively about terrorist threats by providing timely,
detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation
hubs, and the private sector. This system utilizes bulletins and alerts to alert stakeholders of credible
information regarding terrorist activity. When warranted, the public and media are also alerted (DHS, n.d.).
Now let’s take a look back and determine if there was a way to prevent this attack based on what we
discussed. These terrorists obtained airline tickets and boarded four separate aircrafts. As stated previously,
the appropriate intelligence and partnerships may have been essential at this stage. Were there measures in
place to detect potential patterns of possible concerns? Also, we discussed the importance of building
coalitions and partnerships with other countries. Communicating and sharing information within the
intelligence community is warranted and essential. It would have been beneficial if these terrorists were
monitored by the intelligence agencies at an early stage to prevent the attack.
The next question that we should ask and examine is how we can be certain that significant progress has
been made to improve the process and ensure that another horrific attack such as 9/11 does not occur again.
As discussed, the Department of Homeland Security was created as well as a strong emphasis on improving
communication. We have also learned and discussed the importance of partnerships in defeating this threat.
Additionally, intelligence is extremely relevant in identifying potential terrorist attacks and mitigating these
HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 3
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
threats. It is prudent to constantly evaluate policies and procedures to ensure that resources are focused on
the appropriate issues. As learned from 9/11, it is relevant to focus on potential threats and prepare
accordingly.
References
Oliver, W. M., Marion, N. E., & Hill, J. B. (2021). Introduction to homeland security: Policy, organization, and
administration (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781284205213
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (n.d.). NTAS frequently asked questions. https://www.dhs.gov/ntas-
frequently-asked-questions
Suggested Unit Resources
In order to access the following resources, click the links below.
The following PowerPoint presentation provides a summary of the material in this unit’s chapter reading. The
PowerPoint and PDF versions are provided for your convenience.
Chapter 4 PowerPoint Presentation (Chapter 4 PDF)
[https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-135305352_1](https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-135305352_1)
[https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-135305351_1](https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-135305351_1)
– Course Learning Outcomes for Unit III
– Required Unit Resources
– Unit Lesson
– References
– Suggested Unit Resources
**EBSCO-FullText-11_16_2025.pdf**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/ebsco-fulltext-11-16-2025-pdf)
**## III.docx**
For this assignment, you will write a critique of the article "9/11: Look Back and Learn,” which appears in the Required Unit Resources section of this unit. Your article critique must address the components listed below.
· The article’s premise, significant points in support of the premise, and the significance of these regarding homeland security and terrorism response efforts.
· Apply concepts covered in this unit and/or course to present an insightful and thorough analysis.
· Strong arguments and evidence must be used along with compelling interpretation. Be well organized and demonstrate critical thinking by clearly stating your own informed and substantiated opinion of the author’s premise and points.
· Conclude your critique by countering the author’s premise with your own opinion on what changes are still needed beyond reinvention of the U.S. intelligence community to prevent another 9/11. Incorporate unit concepts regarding the evolution and reevaluation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) policies to mitigate future attacks.
**Length**: Your article critique must be a minimum of three pages in length, not counting the title or reference pages.
**References**: You must use at least three sources other than the article to support your argument and interpretation; at least one source must be from the CSU Online Library. All sources used must have citations and references in APA Style. The Article Critiques tutorial can assist you in writing your article critique.
**Submission:** Save the submission as a Word document
**## UnitIII2.pdf**
HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 1
Course Learning Outcomes for Unit III
Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:
7. Examine lessons learned from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
7.1 Explore the imperative for intelligence reform to address national security threats.
7.2 Assess the evolution and reevaluation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS)
policies to mitigate future terrorist attacks.
Required Unit Resources
Chapter 4: The Development of Homeland Security
In order to access the following resources, click the links below.
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks. (2004). The 9/11 Commission report: Final report of the National
Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. https://9-
11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf
Zegart, A. B. (2020). 9/11: Look back and learn. Hoover Digest: Research & Opinion on Public Policy, 20(1),
92–97.
https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?dire
ct=true&db=asn&AN=141355024&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Unit Lesson
The attacks of September 11, 2001, were horrific and resulted in many deaths and injuries. In this unit, we will
examine the 9/11 attacks to see exactly what went wrong leading to this day and the lessons that were
learned. What would cause individuals to initiate such hateful acts? As indicated, these attacks resulted in a
great deal of deaths and injuries. These attacks occurred at the World Trade Center as well as the Pentagon
in Arlington, Virginia. A plane also crashed in Pennsylvania that did not hit its intended target. What would
make individuals board planes, take over the aircrafts, and intentionally crash these aircrafts? These aircrafts
had innocent passengers on them who also lost their lives.
A lesson that was learned from these terrorist attacks is the need for better communication and coordination.
When first responders arrived at these attacks, there were enormous difficulties with communication.
Responding agencies were unable to respond to one another. For example, the fire department was unable to
talk with and effectively communicate with the police department. What if the firefighters who were inside the
World Trade Center noticed signs of a potential collapse of the building and were able to notify the police?
This may have reduced the amount of causalities that occurred since the police could have stopped more first
responders from entering the building. This is an inordinate example of the need to have modernized
technology and communication efforts. The ability to have various agencies talk to one another is essential.
This would subsequently facilitate and improve communication during a disaster incident.
Could the attacks on 9/11 have been prevented? One form of prevention involves having the necessary
intelligence in place so that these attacks could be discovered at the earliest stages possible. Having the
appropriate officials working within these terrorist organizations to obtain information is relevant. Additionally,
having partners and informants within other countries may be necessary as well. Having a coalition of
partnerships is extremely necessary, and if such attacks are being planned, other partners may hear about it
first.
UNIT III STUDY GUIDE
Terrorist Attacks of 9/11
[https://9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf](https://9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf)
[https://9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf](https://9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Exec.pdf)
[https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=141355024&site=ehost-live&scope=site](https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=141355024&site=ehost-live&scope=site)
HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 2
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
Other than intelligence and building partnerships globally, what other measures may be taken to potentially
stop or mitigate a potential terrorist attack? Preparedness and planning are other aspects that are essential in
such situations. The ability to prepare and plan in advance as it relates to a potential attack is indispensable.
In the preparedness stages, all applicable stakeholders should be involved. These stakeholders should
include but not be limited to the federal, state, and local governments. Also, non-governmental organizations,
the private sector, and citizens should be involved in certain aspects of the preparedness and planning
stages. Thus, it is important to realize that homeland security should be a function of all. These preparedness
efforts should include constant communication, tabletop exercises, and routine evaluations. This type of
proactive approach is beneficial in mitigating or preventing a potential terrorist attack.
Due to the attacks of 9/11, the Office of Homeland Security was subsequently established. After such a
horrific attack that caused a massive number of casualties, changes were necessary and inevitable. The U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has many agencies working together to protect the homeland.
Moreover, therefore constant evaluation is important. Always looking at policies and practices and taking
proactive measures is necessary.
Additionally, due to the attacks of 9/11 Congress also initiated action (Oliver et al., 2021). The Uniting and
Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of
2001 (USA PATRIOT Act) was also established. The USA PATRIOT Act was a tool used by the appropriate
authorities to pursue terrorists and to mitigate such terrorist attacks. The USA PATRIOT Act was intelligence
focused, and it was at the foundation of defeating terrorist threats.
However, there has been opposition to this legislation. Some individuals state that this law gives too much
authority to law enforcement and that it may cross the line with people’s privacy. The main question that faces
homeland security professionals is as follows: How much personal privacy must be given up to protect the
safety of citizens? Due to these concerns and others, Congress allowed the USA PATRIOT Act to sunset in
late 2015. It was replaced with a more constrained act called the Uniting and Strengthening America by
Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 (USA FREEDOM Act). This act
was subsequently reauthorized in the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act of 2020.
Established by executive order in 2005 and launched in 2006, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning
System (IPAWS) modernized and integrated the nation’s alert and warning infrastructure. Included in this
system was the creation of the color-coded warning system for alerts, known as the Homeland Security
Advisory System (HSAS). In this system, green represented the least severe threat, and red presented the
most severe threat (Oliver et al., 2021). The purpose of this system was to keep the public informed about
potential threats. However, there were critics to this system. The opposition believed that the system created
an increase in unnecessary anxiety for the public. If the color-code system was raised, the public would be
extremely concerned that an attack was imminent. Also, many times when the alert level was raised an attack
did not occur, so some saw this system as ineffective.
DHS created the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) in 2011 to replace the color-coded HSAS. The
goal of NTAS was to communicate information more effectively about terrorist threats by providing timely,
detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation
hubs, and the private sector. This system utilizes bulletins and alerts to alert stakeholders of credible
information regarding terrorist activity. When warranted, the public and media are also alerted (DHS, n.d.).
Now let’s take a look back and determine if there was a way to prevent this attack based on what we
discussed. These terrorists obtained airline tickets and boarded four separate aircrafts. As stated previously,
the appropriate intelligence and partnerships may have been essential at this stage. Were there measures in
place to detect potential patterns of possible concerns? Also, we discussed the importance of building
coalitions and partnerships with other countries. Communicating and sharing information within the
intelligence community is warranted and essential. It would have been beneficial if these terrorists were
monitored by the intelligence agencies at an early stage to prevent the attack.
The next question that we should ask and examine is how we can be certain that significant progress has
been made to improve the process and ensure that another horrific attack such as 9/11 does not occur again.
As discussed, the Department of Homeland Security was created as well as a strong emphasis on improving
communication. We have also learned and discussed the importance of partnerships in defeating this threat.
Additionally, intelligence is extremely relevant in identifying potential terrorist attacks and mitigating these
HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 3
UNIT x STUDY GUIDE
Title
threats. It is prudent to constantly evaluate policies and procedures to ensure that resources are focused on
the appropriate issues. As learned from 9/11, it is relevant to focus on potential threats and prepare
accordingly.
References
Oliver, W. M., Marion, N. E., & Hill, J. B. (2021). Introduction to homeland security: Policy, organization, and
administration (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781284205213
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (n.d.). NTAS frequently asked questions. https://www.dhs.gov/ntas-
frequently-asked-questions
Suggested Unit Resources
In order to access the following resources, click the links below.
The following PowerPoint presentation provides a summary of the material in this unit’s chapter reading. The
PowerPoint and PDF versions are provided for your convenience.
Chapter 4 PowerPoint Presentation (Chapter 4 PDF)
[https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-135305352_1](https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-135305352_1)
[https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-135305351_1](https://online.columbiasouthern.edu/bbcswebdav/xid-135305351_1)
– Course Learning Outcomes for Unit III
– Required Unit Resources
– Unit Lesson
– References
– Suggested Unit Resources
**EBSCO-FullText-11_16_2025.pdf**
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