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Lesson 5: Critical Infastructure and Key Resources
Overview
Critical Infrastructure Protection is among the leading concerns in the country's quest for homeland security.
The Patriot Act of 2002 defines critical infrastructure as those "systems and assets...so vital to the United States that (their) incapacity or destruction...would have a debilitating impact on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination of these matters." Colonel Bert Tussing, Professor, Center for Strategic Leadership, U.S. Army War College.
After the 9/11 attack, the Bush Administration made the decision that identifying, prioritizing, and providing for the protection of our CIKR assets as a national priority. As new threats have evolved over the past several years, the Obama Administration has provided additional mandates and resources to strengthened that priority.
Lesson Objectives
At the conclusion of this lesson, students will be able to do the following:
- Understand and define the terms "critical infrastructure"
- Understand the roles of the various levels of government in protecting critical infrastructure and understand the inter-dependencies and coordination of those efforts with the private sector.
Lesson Readings & Activities
By the end of this lesson, make sure you have completed the readings and activities found in the Course Schedule.
Reference
Tussing, B. & Wheatley, J. (Eds.). (2005). In support of the common defense: Examining critical infrastructure protection in the public and private sectors. Carlisle, PA: Center for Strategic Leadership, U.S. Army War College. Retrieved from http://www.csl.army.mil/AllPublications.aspx#155.