Come One, Come All: Government Agencies Reassert Their Call for Quality -Trained Homeland Security P
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is entering the year of its fifth anniversary; however, many people are unaware that the jobs related to this field have existed for many years. It was not until concern recently increased regarding national security that the profession was propelled into one of the fastest growing businesses in today's economic market. Government agencies, in turn, have jumped to the top of many job-seekers' lists of possible employers.
Logically, government agencies make up the largest percent of employers of homeland security professionals; yet, the number of job opportunities within these organizations is extraordinarily diverse. The following information will focus on the different branches and agencies that actively hire homeland security professionals.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) -- With the occurrence of Hurricane Katrina, FEMA has become one of the most recognized sections of the homeland security field. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security's 2009 preliminary budget accounts for an increase in funding for the branch, which is projected to include growth in employment. The primary focus of FEMA is disaster prevention and control. FEMA employees become parts of teams of workers that concentrate on helping states, cities and towns, and individual families train for, prevent, react to, and recover from disasters.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) -- The USCIS is another popular homeland security branch. It, too, will receive an increase in funding upon the passage of the DHS 2009 budget. With the current debate regarding immigration, this department is gaining a lot of attention. As new legislation makes its way through Congress, big changes can be expected for the USCIS. USCIS employees work with the processing of applications and forms related to immigration. Individuals seeking the services of the USCIS may be applying for a variety of immigration statuses, including student or work visas, permanent residence or complete citizenship.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) -- The CBP considers itself the "single unified border agency of the United States." The branch is assigned the duty of preventing dangerous parties or goods from entering the United States while ensuring the secure, yet ceaseless flow of travel and trade. The CBP focuses its mission upon three guiding principles, which include vigilance, service and integrity.
U.S. Coast Guard -- The U.S. Coast Guard's motto says it all: semper paratus, always ready. This time-honored branch of homeland security enjoyed a milestone in 2007, saving more than one million lives throughout its 217-year history. The Coast Guard divides its mission into five parts, including national defense, protection of natural resources, maritime security, maritime safety and maritime mobility. Both civilian and military workers make up the employment base of the Coast Guard. Employees work together to enforce all maritime laws and regulations, monitor the operations of all ports and waterways, protect the safety of the environment, and, most importantly, save lives.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) -- The ICE is often confused with the USCIS and CBP; however, it maintains and upholds a much different purpose. In its most basic form, ICE is a law enforcement agency. On a larger spectrum, ICE is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE designates its mission as "toprotect America and uphold public safety by targeting the people, money and materials that support terrorist and criminal activities." Employees of ICE are expected to enforce immigration and customs laws, preserve the safety and protection of U.S. commercial aviation, and defend federal facilities.
U.S. Secret Service -- While the secret service industry may have been made popular by iconic figures such as James Bond, the U.S. Department of Secret Service was originally founded in 1865 with the sole purpose "to suppress the counterfeit of U.S. currency." Much has changed within the agency since this era, including its official mandate under the U.S. Congress. Today, the department upholds two primary missions for both the branch and all of its employees: the protection of our nation's leaders and the investigation of criminal activity. The Secret Services offers many career opportunities open to interested parties, including work within information technology, forensics, law enforcement, security, communications, administrative duties and other specialized fields.
These are just a few of the many branches and organizations within the homeland security field. If you are interested in homeland security but have yet to find your niche, check out the following list of security-related, government agencies: U.S. Transportation Security Administration, Office of the Secretary, Directorate for National Protection and Programs, Directorate for Management, Directorate for Science and Technology, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Office of Inspector General, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.