Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States of America has been faced with a variety of new challenges to its safety and security. Many of these challenges have been met with an assortment of new laws, regulations and restrictions on citizens as they travel, bank or perform basic business functions. It has been clearly demonstrated, however, that the measures that have been enacted by the government of the United States are not sufficient in scope to prevent a motivated enemy from attacking the nation or providing adequate security to the populace in the event of such an attack.  This is most recently demonstrated by the Christmas 2009 attack that was prevented not by government regulations, a series of laws, or by any sort of security posturing. This attack was thwarted by members of the general population, personified by the passengers of Northwest Airlines Flight 253. How can this effort by members of the general public be sustained and integrated into the homeland security efforts that are already in place in this nation? We as a nation and as a government need to take a look at the best practices of our Civil Defense (CD) efforts of the past, and of some of our allies in the fight against terrorism and integrate them into our everyday lives. By using the population as a whole as a deterrent and as a mitigation and response force multiplier, the nation will be able to continue to thrive and prosper.

The original concept of a “civil defense” in the United States started its development during the 1930’s as the nation prepared for the eventuality of entry into World War Two. As the nation began its mobilization for overseas combat operations, government officials, such as New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia began the process of mobilizing their civilian populations to contribute to the national defense. It was during this initial development phase that organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol came to being and the basic concepts of “homeland security” were formed. After the war, the national CD organization continued to play an important role in the security of the nation. As the threat of an attack by the Soviet Union loomed, CD planners took the opportunity to plan and train the citizenry on how to survive a nuclear conflict. The lessons that were learned during this period, the ideas of “Duck and Cover”, preparation of shelters, and training for mass casualty incidents, proved invaluable as the nation faced threats not from the Soviets, but from nature itself. Civil Defense units were called upon countless times during the Cold War to provide aid and comfort during hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and countless other natural events. The mobilizations of these units provided not only timely and critical aid to the nation, but provided real time training and exercises for their plans and programs. As the Cold War ended, and the specter of Soviet attack faded from the public psyche, Civil Defense shifted its attention from preparing the nation for nuclear attack to, what was termed an “all hazard” preparation posture.

The United States as a whole needs to revitalize the national civil defense concept. Looking to the past for the best practices of CD, we see that there was a comprehensive program for all school children. Currently, in Israel, there is a similar program which fields age appropriate courses to all school children. This has proven to be valuable in times of crisis. Everyone who had been educated in the nation received the same basic concept training and everyone knew what their responsibilities are in a crisis. This concept can be carried out from the lowest elementary grades, through the university years. Including this as a part of the basic curriculum would take the coordination of various state departments of education and offices of homeland security/emergency management, the US Department of Education, US Homeland Security agencies and the local school boards. The curriculum would, as previously indicated, consist of age appropriate training which would build on the previous year’s training. Throughout the year, there would be exercises to reinforce the classroom lessons. In addition, during the 10^th grade year, there would be a required public/community service component. During this period, all students would be required to serve at least 6 months in a volunteer service position. This would be a requirement of graduation from high school. Positions which would meet this requirement would be organizations such as local volunteer fire departments and EMS, Scouts Explorers, Civil Air Patrol, etc. Additionally, a 1 year service commitment would be required prior to graduation from college. All students would be encouraged but not required to extend their service as they become more proficient in the field. A similar concept, albeit limited in scope, was proposed in the US House of Representatives in 2007. Another wide reaching plan would be to make maintaining a first aid certification a component of obtaining a driver’s license. This would allow all persons to be able to respond to emergencies and provide basic life saving services.

            In conclusion, there are many ways to encourage involvement in local preparedness activities. However, by making it a part of the total education process, society as a whole will benefit.