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Running head:Module Four Journal 1 Module Four Journal Southern New Hampshire University CJ-310-R4553 Intro Homeland Sec/Counterterr 24EW4

Module Four Journal 2 Module Four Journal Why there was an overarching need to reorganize the agencies that were responsible for counterterrorism prior to 9/11: Prior to 9/11, the overall infrastructure of America, including both federal and state levels, exhibited numerous vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities included a general lack of transportation security, a lack of intelligence gathering, and a lack of border security, resulting in an already over-encumbered justice system to deal with sporadic terrorist attacks both domestically and abroad. Initially, terrorism began to manifest itself in various forms. In the 1970s, the use of the United States Postal Service to send bombs in packages created disarray, confusion, and panic amongst society, leaving investigators to arrest the primary suspect, Theodore Kaczynski (Federal Bureau of Investigation, n.d.). Resultingly, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and various other agencies under the Department of Justice found themselves tasked with handling terrorist attacks such as these, leading to an excessive strain on an already overwhelmed justice system. Moreover, a lack of awareness regarding the escalating threat of terrorism, both at home and abroad, led to congressional debates and proposals for reform. Among these debates and proposals, congressional authorities contended that America’s increasing concerns about terrorism stemmed from a lack of emphasis on combating terrorism by both law enforcement and the intelligence community (Perl, 2024). Consequently, these debates not only failed to address the genuine concerns of the American populace but were evident during the devastating attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. As a result, this prompted a stark realization of the urgent need for reformative action. The job of the Secretary of Homeland Security: In the aftermath of 9/11, the initial establishment of the Department of Homeland Security led to the realization of a much-needed

Module Four Journal 3 organizational structure and hierarchy. Sitting at the top of this organizational hierarchy are 5 key positions that govern the entire Department, which are the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Chief of Staff, the Executive Secretary, the Military Advisor, and the Counterterrorism Coordinator (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2023). However, it is important to note that the Secretary of Homeland Security ultimately assumes responsibility for whatever the Department does or fails to do. Therefore, the duties of the Secretary are to oversee and manage the Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, CISA, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Secret Service, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, and the Science and Technology Directorate (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2024). Aside from providing oversight, the Secretary manages the Office of the Secretary, which is responsible for safeguarding civil liberties, the development of strategic policies, keeping up with legislation, and managing public affairs (Martin, 2019). Moreover, the duties and responsibilities of the Secretary extend beyond administrative oversight to include securing our borders and maritime areas, which serve as crucial entry and exit points into the United States. Overall, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security bears significant responsibility for safeguarding the United States, preventing terrorism, and countering potential threats through in terms, his/her leadership. How the leadership of DHS is a critical component of post-9/11 counterterrorism efforts: In terms of leadership, leadership can play an integral role in counterterrorism efforts. More specifically, investing in improving leadership through effective communication and fostering a fundamental understanding of the culture within the Department of Homeland Security can be crucial for fulfilling the department’s mission effectively (National Center of

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Module Four Journal 4 Biotechnology Information, n.d.). However, it is important to understand the definition of leadership in general to adequately address its role in shaping an organizational structure geared toward counterterrorism. Thus, according to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, leadership can be defined as accomplishing organizational goals through assuming accountability and effective change, rather than being solely based on one’s status or position (National Center of Biotechnology Information, n.d.). Moreover, in a 2012 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, results indicated that the DHS ranked poorly in terms of leadership effectiveness compared to other federal agencies, with consistently low confidence expressed by its employees. Additionally, results such as these indicate a dire need to address issues within the Department itself, such as communication gaps and inconsistencies in leadership, resulting in retention issues and early retirements (National Center of Biotechnology Information, n.d.). Moreover, addressing the previously mentioned issues is vital for counterterrorism efforts, as it involves forming cohesive teams focused on nurturing a culture of resilience, dedication to shared goals, prioritizing employee well-being, and achieving mission success by fostering cultural excellence. In conclusion, the Department of Homeland Security cannot fulfill its mission effectively without prioritizing the values, culture, and leadership that every DHS employee rightfully deserves.

Module Four Journal 5 References: Federal Bureau of Investigation. (N.d.). Unabomber . FBI. Retrieved from: https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/unabomber Perl. (2024). The Department of Homeland Security: Background and Challenges . Retrieved from: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10968/chapter/24 U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2023). Organizational Chart . Retrieved from: https://www.dhs.gov/organizational-chart U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2024). Secretary of Homeland Security . Retrieved from: https://www.dhs.gov/topics/secretary-homeland-security Martin. (2019). Understanding Homeland Security . Retrieved from: https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9781544355825/epubcfi/6/34[%3Bvnd.vst.idref %3Ds9781544355849.i1594]!/4/2[s9781544355849.i1594]/20[s9781544355849.i1635]/ 10[s9781544355849.i1641]/8/2/4/6/4[s9781544355849.i1646]/2 National Center for Biotechnology Information. (N.d.). Leadership, Communication, and Culture in the Department of Homeland Security . Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK201684/

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