Category: Law : Homeland Security

Length: This Case Assignment should be at least 10-15 pages not counting the title page and references.
References: At least two references should be included from academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to question.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Student presents and integrates points that lead to deeper issues.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues and factors considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Objectivity: Student avoids use of first person and subjective bias. Combine all three SLPs into one final paper

150 word response to this discussion post. Continuity planning is the effort to ensure continuity of operations needed to perform essential functions under any condition to preserve capabilities and government functions at all levels. The ability to sustain essential functions in the face of an incident or disaster preserves lives, protects property and critical infrastructure, demonstrates resilience, and builds confidence. The primary benefits of continuity planning related to homeland security is that it helps to meet the five mission areas across the National Preparedness Goal. Additionally, planning, public information, and operational coordination are a part of the three core capabilities to the five mission areas. Therefore, the ability to secure our nation and build resilience are the direct tie between continuity planning, the National Preparedness System, and meeting the goals of homeland security (DHS, 2015).
The primary benefits and components of these planning initiatives across both public and private sectors are guidance determining emergency functions, resource needs assessments, internal and external communications, identifying key personnel, appropriate test & exercise activities, and program maintenance. Additionally, the greatest benefits are how quickly government and essential services such as sewer, water, and electricity are restored to a community. In the public sector, continuity of operations planning, or COOP involves providing funding or grants in relief to restore compliance; adding to ensure that plans are formulated and followed. In the private sector, business continuity management is when businesses of all backgrounds follow standard practices and recognized standards. Although not federally mandated, they may be federally regulated. Industries such as technology, finance, and logistics are common entities that can assist before, during, and after disaster strikes. The private sector can also help and support by providing risk analysis and alternative perspectives (HSC, 2007).
 
-Matt R.
 
References Used:
Department of Homeland Security. (2015). National preparedness goal. Washington D.C.: Government Printing Office. 
Homeland Security Council. (2007). National continuity policy implementation plan. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.

In forecasting over the next five years, what do you perceive as being the single greatest threat to the nation’s homeland security posture? Explain the reasoning for your selection. How well do the current National Security Strategy and DHS Strategic Plan address this threat?