To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. FRONT LINES DHS and education: A strategic national priority HAL RAVECHE AS THE UNITED STATES CONFRONTS RISING UNEMPLOYMENT, FINANCIAL UNCERTAINTY AND THE HIGH COST OF HEALTH CARE, WE CANNOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT THE US DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) IS AS STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT TODAY AS IT WAS WHEN FORMED AFTER SEPT. 11, 2001. lims, when constantly exposed to biased news,can become easy targets for extremists, who exploit the most fervent among them in the name of Islam. It is not that this religion breeds terrorists,but rather that,in this example, religion is exploited to convince individuals to commit terrorist acts, while taking their own lives for religious fulfillment. These global developments underscore the importance of a strong DHS. Ironically, the challenges that DHS faces are exacerbated by a lack of a holistic approach in the United States to foreign policy, security, intelligence and energy. For example, we are concerned about computer hacking and weapon sales from China, yet China holds our debt, reducing our leverage. In Afghanistan, we first funded Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban to fight the Soviets, only to find now that they are our enemy. We continue to buy vast amounts of Middle Eastern oil, providing huge amounts of cash to be used to our detriment. Domestic and border security policies have helped turn Phoenix,Ariz., into the US kidnapping capital.Violent gangs from Central America have penetrated the United States and are growing even in our prisons. Our appetite for drugs is funding the Taliban through the opium fields in Afghanistan. Clearly, international terrorism has affected households and communities along our borders and deep in the heartland. The list of capabilities of those who wish to do us harm grows continuously. For example, the hacking of our federal and private sector computer systems is becoming increasingly more sophisticated, further threatening homeland security. Self- propelled, semi-submersible vessels with low radar signatures are now carrying tons of cocaine to be sold in the United States. This means that DHS’ mission is expanding at a time when private and public resources are shrinking. Fortunately, however, the department’s university partnerships have never been stronger, and these partners have never been more committed. Unfortunately, America does not have a good record on its commitment to addressing important problems. The national focus on alternative energy began, and ended, with the term of President Jimmy Carter. Had we stayed focused on the mission, the United States today would enjoy much greater independence from Middle Eastern oil and a reduced carbon footprint.We cannot make the same mistake now with the DHS. Global and domestic factors indicate that the United States faces significant risk and vulnerability for the foreseeable future. Marginalizing DHS will only position the United States for even greater risk. In this time of strained federal budgets and mounting deficits, DHS can, with modest investments, sharpen its competitive edge by complementing its highly committed, knowledgeable and innovative workforce with university partnerships. The opportunity There is a phenomenal opportunity to capitalize on these partnerships that open horizons and expand our own inventiveness and capacity, beginning as early as junior high school and continuing through all academic levels. DHS should consider implementing programs with its university partners that stimulate mission-related thinking among school children. In-school projects involving even the most inexpensive items can be used to encourage young minds to become inventive with technology and help promote a deeper understanding of the DHS mission and its technological challenges. Cooperative education programs that give gifted students real work experience in homeland security would provide students with the opportunity to learn more about employment at DHS, while allowing DHS to carefully evaluate potential recruits. Fellowships for innovation in doctoral research would encourage engineers and scientists to develop laboratory prototypes of interest to DHS from their academic research. University-industry partnerships for the development of realistic field prototypes for DHS should be incentivized through the fast-tracking of DHS grants and a streamlining of development and procurement contracts. Such nurturing of innovation will have the beneficial effect of creating new businesses and job growth through new developments and applications of technologies that were designed to fulfill the DHS mission. All of these measures, combined with consistent focus and a commitment to continuous improvement, are the keys to success in DHS’ mission to enhance American security and the safety of our families. HST HAL RAVECHE is the president of the Stevens Institute of Technology, a research university in Hoboken, NJ. Homeland Security Today Magazine | May 2009 The indelible memory On 9/11 our students and faculty witnessed the Twin Towers’ devastation first hand from our location in Hoboken, NJ.We watched in horror as occupants of the buildings plunged to their deaths and the buildings crumbled. The heavy air laced with the scent of destruction is indelibly imprinted in our hearts. We are committed to doing our part to assure it never happens again. Geo-social conditions that foment hostile intent toward the United States include limited and religiously rooted education, lack of freedom for women, government controlled media and polarized news that colors perceptions and attitudes. For example, in Saudi Arabia, newspaper and television reports of US military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, the alleged mistreatment of Guantanamo detainees and Israeli actions in Palestine are vastly different from those covered by American and European media. Mainstream, but devout, Mus- Register online today for exclusive online content and eNewsletters 7