It is the duty of the United States to protect its citizens from all threats, both foreign and domestic. Dozens of agencies, both independent and departmental, work in various ways to protect the national interests and to ensure the safety of Americans, both at home and abroad. In fact, every federal department has at least a few defense-related agencies.
The Transportation Safety Administration, or TSA, is a young but vital agency. It was created in the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks in 2001. As part of the Department of Homeland Security, the TSA is responsible for maintaining safe and secure air travel in and out of the United States. This agency maintains checkpoints at all airports, screening passengers, luggage, and freight. It also runs the Air Marshal program, which places armed plain-clothes law enforcement officers on most major flights.
Another agency with a much longer history is the United States Secret Service, or USSS. Once under the control of the Department of the Treasury, the USSS was founded in 1865 to combat counterfeiting, the false printing of currency, after the Civil War. Before the FBI was established, the Secret Service was used to investigate many other types of federal crimes. After the assassination of President William McKinley, the USSS became the first line of defense for protecting the president and various members of the executive branch, including the official party nominees during presidential elections. Today, the Secret Service is still tasked with protecting the president, and this agency also remains engaged in fighting counterfeiting and running undercover federal investigations.
For a look at a few more defense-oriented agencies, watch the following video.
You never know what’s around the corner. It could be something great, but it could also be something bad. Being prepared for anything is important. That’s the reason why certain agencies are in place--to protect America.
There are several additional agencies that are part of our defense policy. They may just look like a jumble of letters without much meaning, but these acronyms stand for important agencies that contribute to our country’s defense.
The CIA: The Central Intelligence Agency is a part of the foreign policy establishment. They are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting information for the president and the NSC, the National Security Council. They also do super cool spy activities and sometimes wear all black and sneak around. I love when spies sneak around. It’s so cool.
The IN: The Immigration and Naturalization Service deals with individuals who come to the U.S. from abroad to live and work. They enforce immigration laws and administer benefits to these individuals.
NASA: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration deals with the nation’s space policy. They are in charge of flying us into space--you know, the final frontier.
The SSS: The Selective Service System handles the drafting of citizens into the armed forces. The last time a draft took place was in 1973. Now we have an all-voluntary military.
All four of these organizations benefit the United States in many ways. Most importantly though, the services they provide make our country a safer and happier place.
Question
What is meant by the phrases “enemies, both foreign and domestic”?
