This first-person report by a homeland-security professional compares the U.S. civil-aviation security system with its Israeli counterpart and declares Israel a clear winner - for two reasons: (1) The virtually unanimous Israeli mindset is focused primarily on national survival; and (2) Israeli security sidesteps politics by profiling all passengers through a combination of advanced technology and consideration of the "human factors" that are frequently more important.
by Peter Kant, Vice President, Rapiscan Systems Government Affairs -
The sometimes intrusive high-tech systems used by most airlines to screen passengers, and their baggage, are extremely sophisticated - but terrorist organizations also are moving forward by devising new types of explosive devices, and new methods of concealment. The end result, in the not-too-distant future, is likely to be a "fully automated checkpoint" that not only will provide much greater security but also speed up the check-in process and relieve passenger frustration at the same time.
by Thomas Payne, Director, ITT Information Integration Systems -
The same revolution in information technology that has given the U.S. armed services communications, cybersecurity, research, and other advanced capabilities previously deemed impossible can be used by other government agencies, and by the civilian sector, to improve and perfect their own products and services on a continuing basis.
From shoe bombs to underwear bombs, the weapons of death used by modern terrorists have become not only more lethal and more complex but also more difficult to detect. Next on the long list of recent "improvements" might well be surgically implanted explosives, carried deep in human body cavities where, the terrorists hope, they would be almost impossible to detect.
The Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) & the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted training designed to better prepare Wisconsin's many state agencies to effectively manage a major disaster. During a four-day training exercise, more than 75 local, state, volunteer, and federal emergency responders tested emergency response and recovery plans to respond to a multiple-event "emergency."
Question: How does an all-electric racing car work? Answer: By pushing the "start" button. One of the biggest problems in the field of domestic preparedness, it says here, is the misguided instructional emphasis on theory and complex technology rather than maintaining a laser-beamed focus on practical training, the explanation of fundamentals, and drills, exercises, and more training. Then practice, practice, and more practice.
An alarming report issued by the WMD Commission - combined with the growing need to "protect the protectors" and an increase in other responsibilities - suggests that law-enforcement agencies, specifically including SWAT teams, may soon have to become hazmat experts as well.
Two Missouri Air National Guard C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, with 47 crew members, were diverted to Chile to aid that earthquake-ravaged nation. The C-130 aircraft can fly passengers, and airlift cargo, long distances - in all weather conditions, both day and night, from low to high altitudes - and land in many areas inaccessible to other aircraft.
The earthquake that devastated Haiti last month was a human tragedy of colossal magnitude - just as the immediate and well executed response of the international community was a heroic story of epic proportions. But the failure of the United Nations and other global organizations to focus on security needs in the disaster area itself was and is a continuing disgrace.
The Resolve Marine Group played a key role in helping to clear the shattered harbor area in Port au Prince and make it possible to bring ashore thousands of tons of food, fuel, medicines and medical supplies, and the numerous other life-saving essentials so desperately needed by the Haitian people.
