Counterterrorism - detailed

Timeframe: Counterterrorism is an ongoing agenda requiring increased attention following increased media attention and resulting public opinion.

Taking: Counterterrorism requires complex tasking. It requires counterintelligence (CI) and covert operations (CO) in addition to collection, analysis, and reporting.

Standard of performance: Reflected in the tasking, counterterrorism requires collecting evidence for conviction through CO. In addition, an analysis ought to be conducted to review data of methods and agendas of terrorists including potential WMD capabilities. Collateral damage ought to be minimized domestically, though tolerated internationally while maintaining political tranquility. Blowback should avoid the terrorists’ agenda – producing civil and political unrest through military power. Such condition implicitly requires maintaining political tranquility.

Oversight: The demand for CO requires a presidential finding outlined the need for engaging in the operation. Approval is also required by the Senate before engaging in the operation.

Jurisdiction: This tasking falls under the jurisdiction of the CIA for the international arena, DHS for national security implications, DIA for military interventions, FBI for domestic implications, and the NSA and Department of State for tracking terrorists. It is consider a high priority because of potential short term effects.

Priority: This is listed as my number two priority because of the public opinion and media surrounding terrorism in conjunction with the national security and domestic implications.