www.iacsp.

com

Preparing
the Next Generation
of Defenders
By Charles and Rebecca Loftus

F O B WA R H O R S E ,
Iraq (Sept. 10, 2008) Petty
Officer 2nd Class Jason Jordan,
assigned to Explosive Ordnance
Disposal Mobile Unit (EOD MU) 12,
practices reflexive firing during a periodic
weapons assessment at Forward Operating Base
Warhorse. The assessment allows EOD team members
the opportunity to ensure optimal weapon performance
while maintaining combat readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Mario A. Quiroga/Released)
Vol.14, No.4
Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International
A study abroad seminar in Israel might not be the first
choice for many college students, but the delegation
from Arizona State University that traveled to Israel
in July 2008 was not composed of the typical
college students. In its first counter-terrorism class
in Jerusalem, Israel, ASU’s goal was to introduce
modern intelligence and counter-terrorism techniques
to a select population of students: the next generation
of defenders.
Need to Fill the Gap
The seminar was coordinated in partnership with the
Institute of Terrorism Research and Response (ITRR).
This joint partnership provided a unique opportunity
for students to learn from experts with hands-on
experience in the field of counter terror. Moreover,
students were given access to locations not normally
accessible to citizens of Israel, let alone tourists or
other student groups.
The Global War on Terror is unlike any other war
the United States has fought. We are battling
non-government combatants and the duration
of this war will endure well past the careers of
current defenders. Recognizing that the torch
needs to be passed to the next generation, it is
critical that experts in the field prepare the suc-
cessive generation.
Since the War on Terror is not limited to gov-
ernment agencies, the class was geared toward
students from a variety of degree fields: emer-
gency management, foreign service, military
service, intelligence, political science, criminal
justice, and victim services/grief management.
Additionally, this struggle involves private in-
dustry and protection of infrastructure as well.
Indeed, there is a demand for professionals in
this area, so the need is not limited to military
and government service.
There is a strong need to create a bridge be-
tween academics and practitioners in this field.
Although a solid background in the theories
of aggression, political issues and history are
important, a practical application is also neces-
sary. Practitioners need to be given a sound
transition into whatever field they choose, and
this program provides unparalleled access to
real-life examples. ITRR was able to fill these
gaps with its treasure chest of experts.
The ASU delegation included both traditional
students and students who are current practi-
tioners such as military officers, ROTC cadets
and police officers. Many of this latter group
attended to increase their skill level and see
what they could bring back to their agencies.
While counter-terrorism training is offered in
the United States, it is rare for the facilitators
to include international experts who have per-
sonally experienced this type of attack or dealt
with its consequences. The program offered a
different focus for students from the latter cat-
egory (including weapons training and defensive
tactics). Because of the sensitive nature of the
material and because some students did not want
to be exposed to this material, it was not offered
to the traditional students.
Why Israel?
Israel was chosen for a multitude of reasons,
not the least of which is the country’s long his-
tory of fighting terrorism. Israel’s defenders
(e.g. police, military, intelligence) have been
protecting the country against hostile forces
for approximately 60 years. This time frame
easily exceeds the professional career of over 3
generations. This delegation sought to tap into
this vast reservoir of knowledge and experience
because our generation of defenders in the
US is close to or in the process of retirement.
Indeed, in the seven years since the attacks
on September 11, those who entered the fray
are close to the midpoint of their careers. The
ones already involved are close to
retirement or already retired. Thus,
there is a need to prepare not only
the next generation, but succeeding
generations of defenders.
Israel was also selected because it
is the only true democracy in the
region, and its institutions and ser-
vices are regularly tested by hostile
forces. Seeing firsthand how the
need for national security is bal-
anced against civil liberties gave
students insight into how the two
concepts can co-exist. In addition,
as a democracy, Israel exhibits some
of the same weaknesses as the US
(e.g. polarized politics, corruption,
and vocal activists).
Moreover, few civilian institutions
provide specialized instruction to
prepare students for the practical
career. While this delegation of ASU
students was granted unprecedented
access to security operations not gen-
erally open to other student groups,
this level of access is not available to
similar groups in the United States. Thanks
to ITRR’s connections in Israeli government
and industry, access was made.
Israel and Arizona share a number of character-
istics including a warm, dry climate. But the
two regions also face similar issues relating to
infrastructure and border security, immigration,
and scarcity of water resources. Many of the
solutions the Israelis have implemented could
be applicable in the Southwestern United States,
even in non-security related fields. For example,
the Israeli requirement for solar hot water heaters
for all newly constructed residences could save
tremendous amounts of energy.
Issues related to security walls were also a con-
sideration in selecting Israel as the destination
for this study abroad program. With the present
construction of the US-Mexico security wall,
anticipation of similar threats and attempted
breaches were examined during the course of
the program. At a time in the US where crimes
committed by illegal immigrants are increas-
ingly in the news, Israel’s drop in violent crime
after construction of its security walls made a
strong argument in favor of similar structures
at US borders.
So, choosing Israel as the location for this study
abroad program made sense for a number of
practical reasons.
Focus on Suicide Attacks
Particular interest was focused on suicide bomb-
ers/attackers, a subject with which Jerusalem
has unfortunately become all too familiar.
Israel was also selected because it is the
only true democracy in the region, and its
institutions and services are regularly tested
by hostile forces. Seeing firsthand how the
need for national security is balanced
against civil liberties gave students insight
into how the two concepts can co-exist. In
addition, as a democracy, Israel exhibits
some of the same weaknesses as the US
(e.g. polarized politics, corruption, and
vocal activists).
www.iacsp.com
Consequently, considerable time was spent on
briefings by experts on suicide bombers, and the
students visited many suicide attack locations.
Particular emphasis was placed on motives,
security breaches, and lessons learned. This
particular element was highly valuable not only
to the practitioners but in preparing the students
for the likelihood of a wave of suicide bombers
in the United States.
The phenomenon of school shootings is, sadly,
not new to the United States. But, if this type
of violence was suddenly linked with Islamic
extremists inside the continental US, the psy-
chological impact would be much more serious.
One aspect was very clear: the citizens of Israel
have been battle-hardened, and their ability
to rebound to a “normal” existence after such
attacks is extraordinary. The ability of the US
community to rebound as fast in similar attacks
is yet to be determined.
If the US was to experience an active shooter
incident such as the March 2008 murder of
eight students at a Jerusalem rabbinical semi-
nary (Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav) or the 2002
bombing at Hebrew University which killed
nine students, tremendous pressure would be
placed on government resources to return the
community to the status-quo. With weapons
much more available in the US than in Israel, the
probability of a bulldozer attack is not as high
(although not beyond the realm of possibility),
and the chances of active shooter and bomber
situations quite high.
The study of suicide attacks is of growing
interest not only within academia but among
practitioners as well. The ASU delegation
was particularly interested in learning threat
identification, detection, mitigation, detection,
and neutralization. The students were very
eager to obtain as much post-action analysis
as possible.
The American public has become accustomed to
hearing about suicide attacks in Israel, Iraq, and
Afghanistan; however, many did not recognize
the potential for this type of attack to become
a reality in the United States. Along with the
multitude of other social issues that accompany
our porous border situation, the opportunity for
would-be suicide attackers to slip through the US
border is an increasingly dire reality.
With Iran’s continued development of nuclear
technology, it is very likely to be the recipient
of a pre-emptive attack to delay or destroy its
nuclear program. Regardless of who attacks
Iran, it is likely that its allies (including Hezbol-
lah) will retaliate with suicide attacks within the
United States and against its allies. American
intelligence and law enforcement are recogniz-
46
FOB WARHORSE, Iraq (Sept. 10, 2008)
Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Mobile Unit (EOD MU) 12 man the firing
line during a periodic weapons assessment
at Forward Operating Base Warhorse. The
assessment allows EOD team members
the opportunity to ensure optimal weapon
performance while maintaining combat
readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Mario
A. Quiroga/Released)
Vol.14, No.4
Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International
ing this threat and are starting preparations. The
demand for education and training in suicide at-
tacks appears to be increasing, and for a student
to already possess a basic toolbox for this threat
helps increase their marketability.
Public-Private
Partnerships
Among the many subjects ITRR introduced to
the students was the importance of public-private
partnerships. The underlying message was that
government alone cannot protect the country;
private industry must also play a large role in
national security. In a time where governmental
organizations are increasingly short of resources,
this partnership with private organizations for
the sake of security is particularly important.
Students toured several infrastructure locations,
all of which had very creative relationships
with private industry to provide a high level of
asset protection. The common thread among
the locations was the emphasis that security is
everyone’s responsibility. These experiences
showed the students not only a functional secu-
rity role in private industry but also a macro view
of the security umbrella that Israel has created
to protect herself.
Summary
The ASU delegation’s trip to Israel was con-
sidered a successful initial venture, and one in
which the university plans to offer again. There
is a great need to prepare the next generation
of defenders, regardless of whether they are
seeking employment in governmental service or
private organizations. In a time when succession
planning is a buzz word for industries across the
globe, this particular type of planning is all made
all the more important by the very real threats to
freedom and democracy.
About the Author
Charles Loftus, Ph.D., is a veteran police officer in Arizona
and teaches National Security, Intelligence, International
Terrorism, Domestic Terrorism and Homeland Security.
Dr. Loftus is heavily involved with research regarding
the US Security Wall, Police Corruption and Local
Preparedness for terrorist attacks.
Charles.loftus@asu.edu
Rebecca Loftus, Ph.D., is a veteran probation supervisor
and policy advisor in Arizona. Her area of specialty
includes violent sex crimes, Internet child pornography,
and women in crime. This Dr. Loftus regularly teaches
International and Domestic politics, Women, Crime and
Justice, and Sex Crimes and Sex Offenders.
Rebecca.loftus@asu.edu