Homeland defense is carried out by the Department of Defense (DoD). It is the protection of the U.S. domestic population and acts as a critical defense infrastructure from external attacks. The U.S. Northern Command directs DoD defense efforts to prevent, mitigate and respond to threats. It also offers assistance to civil authorities in case of emergencies (DeMaso, 2004). Homeland defense involves military forces.
On the other hand, homeland security is concerned with protecting the Americans and their properties. The concept of homeland security was borne following 9/11 terror attack. Before that security agencies used to respond to domestic security issues in ad hoc manner. Also, the eyes of security agencies were more on what was happening in foreign nations. Homeland security has three layers; preventing terrorist’s attacks, protecting critical infrastructure and American citizens, and responding to attacks (Congressional Research Service, 2013).
The intelligence community collect, analyze and share information with all levels of government. IC supports homeland defense and security by availing relevant and timely intelligence that help in countering terrorism activities, stop entry of weapons of mass destruction on American borders and thwart cyber-attacks (Congressional Research Service, 2010). The Office of Intelligence and Analysis within DHS is a unique member of IC. The I&A uses the information shared by multiple IC agencies to assess threats to U.S. The intelligence on the hands of DHS is shared with state, local and tribal government and other homeland security partners.
Homeland defense is a critical line of defense that protects entry of threats into American borders. For example, the U.S. NORTHCOM protects entry of threats via air, land and sea. This means, homeland defense, is more of foreign threats. On the other hand, homeland security deals with threats within the American soil. For instance, whereas the homeland security is in a good position to deal with lone wolfs, homeland defense can only help in responding to lone wolfs attack when called upon.
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) has security benefits. One, the reform brought together all the intelligence agencies. As a result, these agencies are able share intelligence in Fusion Centers. This has solved the problem that existed before 9/11 attacked where security and intelligence agencies worked independently due to superiority. The sharing of intelligence information makes the security agencies to respond to threats on time (DHS, 2007).
