Assignment Guidelines
You are a Special Agent in the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. The country of Fenwick has a state-sponsored terror organization cell in the United States known as Roar. They are planning to go to Battle Creek, Michigan and poison a major cereal brand as a protest for not getting their wheat subsidies from the United States. They plan to coat all of the sugar-coated cereals with anthrax. Information has surfaced that an employee at the cereal plant is a Fenwicky National.
Address the following:
What areas of intelligence analysis do you think would be appropriate based on the terror organization and the selected target of the terror group? Explain.
Considering the type of attack planned, what countermeasures would you employ? Fully justify your response.
What agencies under the Department of Homeland Security do you think should be involved? Why? Explain in detail.
Full Answer Section
- Implement procedures to detect and prevent the introduction of hazardous materials into the plant: This could include installing sensors that can detect anthrax spores, requiring employees to undergo security screenings, and implementing strict procedures for handling incoming materials.
- Monitor the activities of the Fenwicky National employee at the cereal plant: This could include surveillance of the employee's communications, activities, and contacts.
- Educate employees about the signs and symptoms of anthrax poisoning: This would help employees to identify and report any suspicious activity.
- Develop a plan to communicate with the public in the event of an attack: This plan should outline how the government will communicate with the public about the attack, provide information about how to stay safe, and offer support to victims.
The following agencies under the Department of Homeland Security could be involved in responding to this threat:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI is responsible for investigating and preventing terrorist attacks within the United States. The FBI would lead the investigation into the Fenwicky National cell and the planned attack on the cereal plant.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): DHS is responsible for protecting the United States from terrorist attacks. DHS would work with the FBI to investigate the threat and to develop and implement counterterrorism measures.
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA): TSA is responsible for securing the nation's transportation systems. TSA would work with DHS and the FBI to increase security at the cereal plant and at other transportation hubs.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): FDA is responsible for regulating the safety of food and drugs. FDA would work with DHS and the FBI to ensure the safety of the food supply in the event of an attack.
In addition to the above agencies, other federal, state, and local agencies may also be involved in responding to this threat.
Sample Answer
Based on the terror organization and the selected target of the terror group, the following areas of intelligence analysis would be appropriate:
- Terror organization: Analysts would need to gather information on the Fenwicky National, including their history, ideology, tactics, capabilities, and targets. This information would be used to assess the threat posed by the organization and to develop counterterrorism strategies.
- Target: Analysts would need to gather information on the cereal plant in Battle Creek, Michigan, including its layout, security procedures, and production processes. This information would be used to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the terrorists and to develop plans to protect the plant.
Considering the type of attack planned, the following countermeasures could be employed:
- Increase security at the cereal plant: This could include installing additional security cameras and fencing, hiring more security guards, and implementing stricter access control procedures.