The Importance of Inter-Agency Cooperation
The security and economic prosperity of any nation depend on the security of the Aviation Transportation System. There is a need to prevent terrorist attacks and other criminal acts while minimizing the impacts of these acts and ensuring that the aviation system continues to facilitate international trade and commerce. The work of an Aviation Transportation security plan is to direct enhancements of security measures to prevent terrorist attacks and provide vibrant security measures. It builds upon the existing supple aviation security system by clearly defining the departmental roles and directing specific actions (Anon. 2007). The successful realization of the security measures in the Aviation Transportation System Security plan necessitates collaboration and information-sharing amongst Federal, local, and tribal agencies.
One importance of inter-agency cooperation is to ensure that there is a flexible aviation security system by developing individual security measures, as well as those for integrated systems. It also helps in the effective assessment of the vulnerabilities within the Aviation transportation system. Inter-agency cooperation builds on current security requirements and leverages Federal authorities and expertise. This helps in structuring an efficient and effective aviation security plan based on a scheme of collective responsibilities and costs.
With inter-agency cooperation, the Aviation Transportation System Security plan can direct enhancements in the existing authorities, responsibilities of the department, and agency heads in the pursuit of specific actions that can be used to address critical areas of vulnerability (Anon. 2007). The inter-agency cooperation through the Department of Homeland security reinforces the flexibility of the existing aviation security system and helps in recognizing security requirements that can be addressed by the security plan or government adjustments in the National Threat level.
It also helps in identifying international elevated risk cargo by leveraging and developing existing infrastructure and technology. The inter-agency cooperation through the department of transportation can enhance the potential to develop, realize, and deal with airspace and air traffic management correlated security measures that are scalable and supple to sustain steady-state requirements (Anon. 2007).
Impacts of the Attacks of 9/11 on the U.S. Aviation Industry
Of the recent past, the September 11, 2001 attack is one of the major attacks that made the biggest destruction. The United States is considered one of the most powerful countries in terms of economic power and military preparedness, but despite this, the attack was made successfully. It was made in a way that the security team could not detect. It occurred on two buildings (World Trade Centre and Pentagon) that were prime attacks from the attacker’s point of view.
After the attack was done by al-Qaeda. The attack destroyed the transportation system in the U.S. especially the aviation system. It is an attack that used mass casualty and mass destruction to ensure that they destabilize entire societal systems. After the attack, various interpolations were brought forward to try and explain what went wrong. There was a security lapse that the attackers utilized (National Commission on Terrorist Attacks, et al 2004). Some of the loopholes so recognized could have been solved by the mere operation of a better team, more effective information-sharing, and a more rigorous system. Some were out of system failures that were far out of control.
The United States of America is a major player as a consumer and producer in the world. The purchasing power of the Americans was reduced and thus the demand for exports and home-produced goods reduced. This has resulted in a reduction in demand in the national commercial aviation and airport operations since most of these products are transported through the airline.
This has led to reduced gross domestic earning in the world. Companies have closed down and trade suffered greatly. The United States is the world’s greatest trader, after the panic, many countries feared that if they trade with the country, then they may become a terrorist target (National Commission on Terrorist Attacks, et al 2004). The economic situation of the country deteriorated. As a result of the attack, there was a wide-spread panic in the country, many people were not willing to invest in the United States or travel to the country and have greatly affected the aviation industry.
Reference List
Anon. (2007). National Strategy for Aviation Security.
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks, et al (2004). The 9/11 Report: The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United State. New York: St. Martin’s Press.