Nance HLS-355 Final Paper - HLS-355 Critical Thinking for...

Institution: Thomas Edison State College
Abstract
Today, the world is more dangerous than it was twenty years ago. The ability to combat threats
of international terrorism depends on the coordinated efforts of all local and international
HLS-355 Critical Thinking for Homeland Security
Final Paper
Presented to: Dr. Thomas Finnegan
Submitted By: Claudia H. Nance
Date: August 23, 2015
Term: June, 2015 – August, 2015

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networks. Nations are now sharing terrorist-related information and interacting with security
agencies around the world, which requires effective communication dialogue. International
dialogue must be a strategic requirement for protecting the homelands.
On a national level, to ensure a homeland that is safe, secure, and resilient against
terrorism, the United States Department of Homeland Security established the 2010 Quadrennial
Homeland Security Review (QHSR) to serve as a guide for homeland security activities. The
QHSR identified five strategic mission areas. These strategic mission areas include: preventing
terrorism and enhance security; securing and managing borders; enforcing and administering
immigration laws; safeguarding and securing cyberspace; and ensuring resiliency to disaster.
Weapons of mass destruction continue to pose a threat to most of the world. For
example, Russia stockpile, and the emergence of new risks like Pakistan, and Iran. Every aspect
of nuclear weapons manufacturing is becoming more commercially available from triggering
devices to the ability to make and test high explosive lenses, and the United States has been
leading the effort to reduce these nation’s nuclear arms capability. Hence the need for homeland
security and emergency preparedness to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills has
become much more valuable. This paper will discuss some important strategies for the best
critical thinking model that can be used in Homeland Security.
Over the years the Department of Homeland Security has undergone numerous
restructuring. For example, Secretary Michael Chertoff took office on February 15, 2005, and
initiated a Second Stage Review (2SR) to evaluate the department’s operations, policies, and
structures. More than 250 members of the department and 18 action teams participate in this
effort. The teams also consulted public and private partners at the federal, state, local, tribal, and
international levels. On July 13, 2005, based upon his findings, Secretary Chertoff announced a
six-point agenda, which included a significant reorganization of the department (dhs.gov). The
development of important critically thinking skills is very important the 240,000 employees in

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jobs that range from aviation and border security to emergency response, from cybersecurity
analyst to chemical facility inspector (dhs.gov) who are dedicated to the protection of the
homeland.