Bert Tussing, Director of the Homeland Defense and Security Issues Group at the U.S. Army War College, shares insights from the recent Homeland Defense Symposium. He differentiates between Homeland Security and Homeland Defense, emphasizing the necessity of military protection against external threats. Tussing highlights the importance of a whole-of-society approach to defense that includes collaboration among federal, state, and local entities. He also discusses the evolving landscape of national security and the critical role of public preparedness.
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Unexpected Homeland Defense Journey
Bert Tussing shared how he became a homeland defense expert somewhat unexpectedly and started as a "voice in the wilderness" before 9-11.
After 9-11, his role became urgent, leading to involvement in key homeland defense institutions' creation.
insights INSIGHT
Homeland Security vs. Defense
Homeland Security mainly involves law enforcement and emergency response, while Homeland Defense is military protection against external threats.
Keeping military and law enforcement functions distinct preserves military ethos and civilian control.
insights INSIGHT
Urgency in Homeland Preparedness
Preparing for a conflict on U.S. soil requires urgent readiness and more than current rhetoric suggests.
The military needs all capabilities and societal support to respond effectively when war reaches the homeland.
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The U.S. Army War College (USAWC) recently hosted its 2025 Homeland Defense Symposium, gathering experts to tackle the complex issues of defending the homeland. A key focus was clarifying the difference between Homeland Security (law enforcement and emergency response) and Homeland Defense (military protection against external threats). Bert Tussing, Director of the Homeland Defense and Security Issues Group at the USAWC’s Center for Strategic Leadership, joined host Ron Granieri in the studio to discuss the major themes of the symposium. Participants emphasized the importance of preparedness, highlighting that future conflicts are likely to reach U.S. soil. The discussions emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach, integrating not just federal agencies but also state and local governments, the private sector, and the general public into defense strategies.
The term homeland defense may be unfamiliar to many listeners more accustomed to the phrase Homeland Security. These differences are significant even if the policies are intended to be complementary.
Bert Tussing is Director of the Homeland Defense and Security Issues Group at the U.S. Army War College’s Center for Strategic Leadership (CSL). He joined CSL in October 1999, following nearly 25 years in the United States Marine Corps. He is a distinguished graduate of both the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Naval War College and holds master’s degrees in National Security Strategy and Military Strategic Studies. In May of 2014 he was awarded an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters by Northwestern State University in recognition of his work in Homeland Security, Homeland Defense and Educational initiatives surrounding those topics.
The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense.
Photo Description: A fervent advocate for issues of homeland defense and security, Professor Bert Tussing, Director of the Homeland Defense and Security Issues Group at the U.S. Army War College's Center for Strategic Leadership, recently gave a lecture titled "Evolving Direction of Homeland Defense" to the USAWC class of 2025.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army War College
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