ABSTRACT
The world is an active, dynamic, and ever-changing place. The safety and security of our nation, our communities, and our citizens cannot be taken for granted. Life is fragile, often much more so than many realize. Events can and do occur that change or even end lives. The attacks on September 11, 2001, were a substantial game changer for our nation. The threat posed by radical international extremists became painfully apparent. A decision was made to create a new agency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), that was entrusted with the protecting of American society. The United States is a major player on the world stage in a wide range of areas; economically, socially, politically, informationally, and militarily. The 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the explosion of a fertilizer plant in Texas are examples of events that may challenge the safety of our communities, the capabilities of our response community, and the resiliency of our people.
