It might come as a surprise to some, but homeland security is one of the fastest-growing occupations in America, with a new headquarters that rivals the size of the Pentagon in terms of size, scale, and importance. This entirely new sector of American employment already has its own vast wealth of knowledge and resources which are essential to professionals and average citizens alike.
The Department of Homeland Security Online
Perhaps the most obvious of the homeland security resources, the Department of Homeland Security’s website is a great place to begin for anyone interested in a career in the field, or looking for a new job. At the same time, it contains a wealth of knowledge about current national security issues — everything from border security and immigration to cyber security and counterterrorism measures.
The department’s online home is also the site of a jobs database, where those who are interested in a career with the Department of Homeland Security can post their resum√© and look at openings at the local, state, and federal levels.
Those already in a homeland security career will appreciate the department’s information on government programs like E-Verify, immigration documents, and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Combined with the latest news from the department, it’s a great way to stay up-to-date on recent developments and programs put into place to ensure the country’s continued security.
An industry magazine published by the same folks behind National Guard today, this regularly updated website (and print magazine, too!) is dedicated to industry trends, job openings, and national security news. They are especially diligent at aggregating all of the latest news from within the department, reporting on Homeland Security Director Janet Napolitano’s latest programs and travels, as well as progress in the fight to secure America’s borders and ensure terrorism does not reach its shores.
Additionally, Homeland Security Today contains an extensive list of industry events — everything from government functions to conventions and conferences. And they have a regularly updated slate of blogs that offer a more opinionated take on developments within the industry.
While not devoted entirely to homeland security, Government Executive Magazine is a great resource for the department’s professionals to keep up with the current issues and debates within the federal government. The magazine does devote a significant amount of its coverage to homeland security, but takes a wider view that involves the executive and legislative branches as well as policy positions and proposals.
Homeland security professionals will want to keep up with this magazine, as their work is directly impacted by the decisions of their legislative counterparts down the road in Washington, DC.
Terrorism and Homeland Security: An Introduction
Aspiring homeland security professionals, as well as those currently in the field, should consider this remarkable text a must-read. Originally titled “Terrorism: An Introduction,” the book explains the basic of global terrorism and the motivations behind some of the most sinister criminal masterminds in the history of terroristic attacks. And it uses basic themes to compare these attacks and draw conclusions about the motivations, effects, and future of terrorism around the world.
But more than that, the book dives into the hot issue of homeland security in the United States and abroad. It examines the development of the current Department of Homeland Security and analyzes its increasing role in American life. It deconstructs the responsibilities of the department, from counterterrorism to immigration and online security. It’s an excellent way to fully understand just what this vast government agency is really responsible for — and who it’s responsible to.
The United States Department of Homeland Security: An Overview
Not everyone who is interested in homeland security is particularly interested in pursuing a related career. Some people are just interested in how the department works and why it came to exist in a post-9/11 world. For that basic information and introduction, there is “The United States Department of Homeland Security: An Overview.” The book goes back to the early days of terrorism, through the September 11, 2001, attacks, and explains how the department came to be.
It then expounds on the department’s existence and follows its evolution from an agency that was focused on al-Qaeda to an agency that controls America’s information superhighway and its borders. It describes the role of the agency in keeping Americans safe, as well as the pitfalls of its now-enormous size among rival defense industries in the United States.
This book is an absolute must-read for anyone seeking a greater understanding of the Department of Homeland Security. It’s also a great addition to the library of any professional who may need an occasional reminder or history lesson.
Produced by the Department of Homeland Security, Ready.gov is a website dedicated to preparedness in the face of disaster or attack. It’s a perfect example of what the department is responsible for, and who it’s ultimately trying to protect.