The terror attacks of 11 September 2001 have prompted a large-scale assessment of the nation’s vulnerabilities to potential future terrorist acts and other threats of asymmetric warfare. The transportation system, for obvious reasons, is of particular concern. While the security of the U.S. commercial aviation system was the natural initial focus of this scrutiny after 9/11, other modes and dimensions of transportation infrastructure are now being similarly examined. Unfortunately, our transportation system as a whole clearly offers both a target-rich environment and a potential means of access for those who seek to harm America through asymmetric warfare in general, and terrorism in particular.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has moved rapidly to formulate new strategies and tactics to counter threats that--before 11 September--were more abstract possibilities than imminent realities. Creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), appointment of an Undersecretary of Transportation Security and an Associate Undersecretary for Maritime and Land Security, and the provision of grants for port security improvements are some examples of recent initiatives undertaken by DOT in this regard.

While all modes of transportation have specific vulnerabilities to asymmetric and terrorist attacks, perhaps no sector is more dangerously exposed and woefully under-protected than ports and the intermodal freight transportation systems to which they are connected. The insertion of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) into freight containers is a particularly acute risk in this context. A recent CIA analysis concludes that the delivery of WMDs to the United States via this mechanism is more likely than via ICBMs. Given the consequences of failure in the new era in which we now find ourselves, the current system of cargo security and contraband interdiction is based on a system of risk assessment that does not offer an acceptable degree of accuracy. The successful smuggling of illicit drugs, counterfeit fashion wear, or endangered animal products results in outcomes that-though highly undesirable-do not begin to approach in magnitude the potential effects of nuclear weapon detonation, biological agent dispersal, or chemical attack utilizing cargo containers as vehicles.

Nature of The Need

Developing a full understanding of opportunities for terrorist and other asymmetric attacks upon--or using--the port and intermodal freight transportation system and evolving efficient ways to counter those threats will require special expertise. Effective prevention will ultimately depend to a large extent on the degree to which those responsible for the design, management, and operations of port and intermodal systems are able to identify and control the vulnerabilities of those systems. While knowledge of security and counter-terrorism per se will be essential in this war, in-depth comprehension of port and intermodal system structure and operations in conjunction with an understanding of security principles will be of critical importance in stemming the tide of potential threats.

Further, it is apparent that if the United States is to successfully protect and defend itself against the dangers of terrorism and asymmetric warfare, an integrated strategy involving close cooperation among all relevant agencies and organizations will be required. Effective and efficient utilization of all available knowledge, experience, and personnel will be imperative if these threats are to be countered.

Institutional Capabilities

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and its faculty, staff, midshipmen, and alumni are naturally positioned to become prominent contributors to strategy development, solution formulation, and law enforcement where port and intermodal security is concerned. In short, the Academy possesses specific capabilities that are impelling it to assume a national leadership role in this effort. These include:

1. A comprehensive undergraduate program in logistics, port operations and intermodal transportation focused on developing in midshipmen an international perspective and a hands-on, end-to-end understanding of port and containerized freight transportation management. The program includes the most heavily subscribed major at USMMA.

2. Faculty and staff members with practical experience in maritime, port, and transportation system operations, both commercial and military

3. An active and interested alumni group that comprises a significant force in the management of vulnerable carriers and transportation facilities

4. Midshipmen with experience at sea, in ports, and in military practices and protocol

5. The largest maritime and transportation continuing education program in the United States, with training capability in port operations, intermodal transportation, security, and related subjects

6. Personnel with substantial consulting and applied research experience in port and terminal operations, logistics and intermodal transportation, and marine affairs

Initiatives

Based on these capabilities and the needs of the nation, the following initiatives are underway:

1. The Logistics and Intermodal Transportation Program curriculum and its supporting elements are being enhanced to focus directly on the pressing need for personnel able to address homeland security concerns related to ports and intermodal transportation.

2. Existing collaborative relationships with individuals and institutions possessing expertise in relevant security matters are being further developed.

3. The popular Logistics and Intermodal Transportation Guest Lecture Series is being used to provide midshipmen, faculty, and staff with exposure to qualified security experts from government, industry, and military sectors.

4. Outside experts are being engaged in the development of new required courses and electives focused on port and intermodal transportation security.

5. Dr. Stephen Flynn, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, media figure, expert on asymmetric threats, and supporter of the L&IT Program, spoke to USMMA faculty, staff, and midshipmen in the Logistics and Intermodal Transportation Guest Lecture Series. Dr. Flynn has also agreed to assist in the refinement of the undergraduate logistics curriculum and is working to involve the program and its personnel in related projects.

6. Securing the global containerized cargo system against terrorism is the theme of the capstone "Logistics and Intermodal Seminar" in the current academic term. All First Class L&IT majors (approximately 65 midshipmen) are engaged in analysis of global intermodal supply chain operations with the objective of maximizing security while preserving the free flow of trade. The results of this effort are intended to provide useful insights for the national "Operation Safe Commerce" demonstration project. Midshipmen, working in teams, will generate written reports of their analysis and will brief senior government, military, and industry personnel on their work at the end of the term.

7. An elective course in Maritime Security is in operation. The course enrollment consists of 40 Logistics and Intermodal Transportation majors and 20 Marine Transportation and other majors. A member of the GMATS staff is teaching the course in its first iteration.

8. Through an Academy alumnus, a relationship is being developed between the Logistics and Intermodal Transportation Program and personnel at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, who have been asked to provide guest lectures, possible assistance with course development, and midshipman research supervision on security topics. MIIS has also indicated willingness to offer special short courses for USMMA faculty and midshipmen in its areas of expertise. The Institute’s Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) is the largest nongovernmental organization in the world devoted to curbing the spread of WMDs.

9. Via introduction by our first Visiting Professor of Logistics and Intermodal Transportation, the prestigious Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington has been approached to investigate potential synergies between USMMA and CSIS in the transportation security arena. The CSIS staff of 190 researchers and support personnel addresses the full spectrum of new challenges to national and international security.

10. A concerted effort is being made to communicate the capabilities of the enhanced L&IT program to internal and external audiences concerned with port and transportation security issues. The program director has been involved as a speaker and facilitator in several panels and national conferences on transportation security. Undergraduate faculty members and GMATS staff are collaborating on participation in upcoming seminars on this topic.

11. The capacity of Logistics and Intermodal Transportation Program faculty, staff, and midshipmen to conduct applied research on port and intermodal security issues and challenges is being organized to serve the needs of the nation in this realm.

12. Synergies are being pursued between the redefined undergraduate program and GMATS, which offers some security-related short courses and would be the natural site of a comprehensive program of continuing port and transportation security training.

13. Opportunities for graduates of the Logistics and Intermodal Transportation Program are actively being sought in the Transportation Security Agency, Coast Guard Port Security detachments, and in other agencies and organizations that can benefit from the distinctive competencies of these Kings Pointers. The Maritime Administrator is personally involved in this effort. Interested midshipmen are being provided with assistance in obtaining job placement in port and intermodal security-related organizations.

Conclusion

As a federal institution of higher education and training, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy offers unique strengths and capabilities that are being marshaled to support what will clearly be a long-term struggle to prevent attacks upon, or using, the nation’s ports and intermodal transportation systems. With their military training, their seagoing experience, and their education and training in port operations, intermodal transportation, and global logistics management, graduates of the Academy’s Logistics and Intermodal Transportation Program bring a unique combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities to this campaign.