The recent terrorist attacks in Paris are a painful reminder of the unrelenting intention of determined adversaries to wage asymmetric warfare against America and countries friendly to us. In 2016, expect increased efforts to prevent the intentional disruption of the marine transportation system and its use to covertly deliver weapons, dangerous substances, and extremist operatives to their intended targets.
ISIS, a terrorist organization of unprecedented reach and capability, has reportedly been acquiring radioactive materials that could be used to build a dirty bomb, is pursuing the development of chemical weapons, and has declared its intention to target merchant shipping. These are threats to the safety and economic stability of the United States and its allies that should be taken very seriously.
Several actions must be taken if we are to improve our ability to deter these threats and to recover quickly from transportation security incidents that do occur despite our best efforts.
First, broader use of appropriate technologies to provide better in-transit visibility and the identification of shipment anomalies must be implemented. Non-intrusive inspection equipment should be deployed on a much wider scale to help ensure that containers and conveyances are carrying only legitimate cargoes.
Second, improved information for, and covert testing of cargo targeting, screening, and inspection programs must be pursued. Encouragingly, the Department of Homeland Security is currently enhancing its field evaluation of Customs and Border Protection nuclear and radiological materials smuggling detection and interdiction activities.
Finally, the application of proven risk management principles and the development of comprehensive contingency plans are called for throughout the system. Doing this well involves acknowledgment of the fact that 100 percent security is not always attainable in complex global supply chains.
Jon S. Helmick, Director, Maritime Logistics and Security Program, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy