Week 2 Blog

Greetings, class.

This week, our readings discussed how the Federal Bureau of Investigation functions as the primary domestic intelligence gathering agency in the United States.  As the FBI is responsible for the investigation of espionage and intelligence issues within the U.S., it would play a major role in safeguarding the homeland against any threats posed by China should air and sea hostilities break out between our two nations.

During the Second World War, The FBI worked closely with the military and other intelligence agencies to collect information on Axis spy activities, informants, and means of secure communications. The FBI also investigated espionage and sabotage activities within the United States, such as attacks on critical infrastructure like utilities, transportation hubs, radio, and other important interests.  

Through the Bureau, state and local law enforcement would be notified of specific threats to look out for such as the types of seacraft and aircraft the Chinese military uses, as well as securing high value targets that Chinese spies may attempt to tamper with or destroy prior to an attack.  China would likely look to shut down the west coast in a variety of ways prior to attack, such as bringing down power and communications.  

In a war with China, that involved air and sea attack, The U.S. Department of Homeland Security would help coordinate efforts between multiple domestic agencies such as the FBI,  Secret Service Intelligence, as wel well as intelligence offices from the DEA, Department of Energy, Department of Treasury, and the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research.  Each would play a role in identifying incoming threats by air, sea, or cyber attack, and share this information quickly and rapidly with each other, as well as with the military to notify them of when and where an attack is taking place.

As America learned during WWII, the defense of the homeland is a true team effort that extends far beyond what the military can do on the front lines.  Protection of the nation extends to ensuring that no enemy actor is able to do significant damage on friendly shores which can jeopardize or open the door to foreign enemies for domestic attack, or invasion.

-Alex Enriquez

References:

Benny, D.J. (2022). U.S. National Security and the Intelligence Services (1st ed.). CRC Press.                 https://doi-org.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/10.4324/9781003270843 

FBI. (2016, May 3). World War, Cold War, 1939-1953. FBI. https://www.fbi.gov/history/brief-history/world-war-cold-war