Hart Rudman Commission Report Essay

The U.S. Commission on National Security/21st Century, frequently known as the Hart-Rudman Commission after its chairmen, issued its third and final report in January 2001. The bottom-line conclusion is that the primary national security challenge that the United States will face in the next 20 or 30 years will be an attack by an adversary on the American homeland which could produce thousands of casualties. To deal with this threat, the commission calls for a major reorganization of the U.S. national security apparatus. The changed security environment and the changed threat to American society suggest a fundamental rethinking of the organizations designed to achieve national security. Phase 1 – New World Coming: American Security in the 21st Century was the first report completed by the Commission (July 1998 – August 1999). This Report is dedicated to understanding how the world will likely evolve over the next 25 years. It describes global trends in scientific, technological, economic, socio-political and military security domains and the interplay of these developments on U.S. national security. Pro: The nation has a better understanding of the global effects that affecting America; therefore, it helps better preparation the nation to tackle any upcoming obstacles. Con: With the advanced technology development, more dangerous weapons are being developed. Phase 2: Seeking a National Strategy: A Concert for Preserving Security and Promoting Freedom (August 1999 – April 2000). This Report devised a U.S. national security strategy to deal with the world in 2025. The purpose of the Phase II Report is to define an American strategy based on U.S. interests and key objectives. It develops a strategy for America to secure the benefits of a more integrated world to expand freedom, security, and prosperity and to dampen the forces of instability. Pro: The development assisted in strengthens our security to safeguard our  nation. Con: In order to tighten our national security, the general public somewhat has to scarify levels of privacy. Phase 3 – Roadmap for National Security: Imperative for Change (April 2000 – February 2001). This Report recommended significant and comprehensive institutional and procedural changes throughout the Executive and Legislative Branches in order to meet the challenges of 2025. Pro: The creation of the Department of Homeland Security marks a significant step forward for the United States in addressing the threat posed by terrorism within its borders. Con: The recommendation of significant restructuring to re-align government offices, branches, and procedures with the global realities, we are giving more power to the government to change the structure of our nation; how one can be certain this will lead to positive outcome. Reference Lathrop, C., & Eaglen, M. M. The Institute of Land Warfare, (2001). The commission on national security/21st century: A hart-rudman commission primer (NSW 01-2)