It doesn’t take long after skimming through a few of the top stories in the national news to see that U.S. security remains a hot topic and a priority for the U.S. Government. Strategic security is a broad but important term when related to National Security, defined as a national plan on continuing to direct government agencies on security related issues. It encompasses policy, directives, and legislation focused on keeping the U.S. and our interests abroad and at home safe. It involves diplomatic actions, the Department of Defense (DOD), Homeland Security, and various other government agencies that have a role in National Security. Likewise, strategic security courses combined with intelligence analysis plays a major role in National Security.

The continued rhetoric and threats from the Korean Peninsula continue to show the instability in the region which affects U.S. strategic security and has effects on National Security. News from that region indicates nuclear weapons tests and possible movement of ballistic missiles. This is a perfect example where training in strategic security courses can prove valuable for National Security. The world is a dynamic place and there are no books or guides that tell us if a particular country does that, then the U.S. response will be this. The decision of what to do is based on subject matter experts, diplomatic relations, intelligence collection, and accurate and timely intelligence analysis. When all this information comes together, it provides the most up to date and relevant information on the subject at hand, allowing U.S. decision makers to make the best decision with the information available.

Turning to a more local threat, domestic terrorism and counterterrorism is a major role of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Since 9/11, new policy and legislation direct the Intelligence Community (IC) to increase collaboration across all agencies, including local and state law enforcement. Many large law enforcement agencies across the U.S. now have trained intelligence professionals on their staff to gain intelligence on criminals, drug trafficking, domestic terrorism, and a host of other areas that they are responsible for. Local and state law enforcement agencies play a major role in National Security as they interact daily with their community. The interaction with the community can result in tips leading to identification of threats to National Security. Training from strategic security courses and proper intelligence analysis for law enforcement agencies will continue to be critical in identifying threats early. The ability of local and state law enforcement agencies to process, analyze, and disseminate the information they receive is critical in detection and prevention of local crime as well as national threats. These threats include terrorism and multi-jurisdiction organized crime and can only be successful with open lines of communication between federal agencies and local and state law enforcement agencies.

The world will remain a dynamic and ever changing place. National Security will always be a top priority for U.S. government and will require experienced and trained personnel in strategic security and the intelligence field to assist with this important mission.

Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, intelligence analysis, strategic security courses, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at www.Henley-Putnam.edu

Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, intelligence analysis, strategic security courses, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at http://www.Henley-Putnam.edu

Author Bio: Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, intelligence analysis, strategic security courses, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at www.Henley-Putnam.edu

Category: Society
Keywords: intelligence analysis,strategic security courses