Section 3: Ground Transportation Security Ground transportation includes rail, trucking, and pipelin

Section 3: Ground Transportation Security

Ground transportation includes rail, trucking, and pipeline systems within the United States. In this section, you will have the opportunity to consider the security of ground transportation assets within the United States. Ultimately everything moves on the ground, so the security of the ground transportation network is essential to the physical and economic well-being of the United States.

One of the issues is the changing dynamics of threats against ground transportation. According to the Homeland Security News Wire of April 13, 2012,

…from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, terrorist groups used chemicals to attack surface transportation; from the mid-1990s on, multiple bombs became the new prototype for terrorist attacks (http://www.homelandsecuritynewswire.com/dr20120413-new-insights-into-terrorist-threats-to-ground-transportation).
 
This indicates that viable solutions today may not be appropriate in the future. Transportation security specialists much be prepared for tactical threat changes by terrorists.

Required Reading:

Please refer to each Activity for required readings within Activity Resources.

 Assignment 6   Rail Security
The rail network in the United States provides the capability to transport tremendous quantities of bulk material across long distances. The March 2004 terrorist attacks in Madrid, Spain, showed that rail assets are not immune to terrorist threats. The focus on securing air transportation can overshadow concerns with securing travel on land.

Activity Resources
•Ditmeyer, S. R. (2010).
•Government Accountability Office. (2010).
Main Task: Assess the Security of Rail Transportation
Assume that you are a staff officer in the Department of Transportation. Your new supervisor understands the trucking industry but is inexperienced in rail transportation. Assess the security of rail transportation in the United States. Provide your evaluation in a research paper and be sure to address the following issues:
•Passenger travel and security measures
•Commuter versus long haul passenger travel
•Cargo security
•Security of railroad yards versus the rail line
Support your paper with at least 5 scholarly or professional resources. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including older articles, may be included.

Length: 5-7 pages not including title and reference pages

Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that are presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University's Academic Integrity Policy.

Submit your document in the Course Work area below the Activity screen.

Learning Outcome: 6
Assignment Outcomes

Assess the security of rail transportation in the United States.