Online Distance Learning Forum

At the Department of Homeland Security, there has been no let-up since its creation post 9/11. The optimism and sense of a world community after G8 made it seem possible that homeland security was now less of an issue. The horrific and tragic events in London on the 7th July have put paid to that, and set a somber tone for the rest of the summer.

Once again, innocent people have been targeted in the London bombings, this time while traveling to work. Over in the US, the response by the Department of Homeland security was immediate. An increase in funds for homeland security in mass transit have already been promised. During a round of interviews on Sunday July 10th, homeland security chief Michael Chertoff stated that the US will keep its terror alert on high for mass transit homeland security. However, both Chertoff and White House homeland security adviser Fran Townsend said that they cannot guarantee safety in mass transit, or any other areas of homeland security: “...there are no guarantees in this world.”

So what can ordinary people do about homeland security? Well, the most obvious way is to undertake homeland security training. The list of available programs for homeland security training continues to rise, along with the number of homeland security jobs. Homeland security training comes in all shapes and sizes, just like homeland security jobs:
Homeland security certification
Homeland security and public safety diploma
Bachelor’s, master’s and doctorates in public safety and homeland security
Postgraduate certificate and diploma in homeland security
Postgraduate diploma in homeland security

You can use distance learning or online degrees to enhance or redirect your existing career with homeland security training. For example, if you are already a first responder, you can use homeland security training to help you step into an advisory role. If you work in the traffic police or in any area of mass transit, homeland security training could be very useful, as the budgets in these areas are bound to rise in the next few months.

If the London bombings have reminded you that want to do more than you can in your current role, looking at the different homeland security jobs could help you choose the right homeland security training. If you are currently working in the legal profession or the government, post-graduate homeland security training could lead to an administrative or advisory role. Chertoff cited intelligence-gathering as one of the forces of homeland security, so you may want to consider homeland security jobs in law enforcement and/or government.

The London bombings of July 7th revealed how forward planning and cool-headedness can greatly aid homeland security. Medical, transit and law enforcement workers dealt with the situation exceedingly well, due to a great deal of “what if” training and planning. As the availability of homeland security training continues to rise, it would be well worth seeing what you can do to help. It could make a massive difference in the future to many lives - including your own.