I can understand the desire to undertake this effort, but believe there are some structural deficiencies in its proposed purpose that must be addressed to make it a useful enterprise. Referring to its proposed end-product as a “capstone” assessment leads one to believe that it will be a final “everything that needs to be assessed has been” report. This is simply not possible. Similarly, as the other proposals contained in this QHSR, I don’t think the presumption that all hazards can be assessed and/or protected against is at all helpful. With the advent of new technology, new tactics, and as-yet undiscovered risks and threats, we will never be able to protect against, or conduct a detailed analysis of, all hazards. All stakeholders must understand this or we are going to continue to operate in an environment where unrealistic expectations inhibit an honest conversation about the homeland security environment in which we operate.

This speaks to the greater strategic mission of the Department of Homeland Security. To secure our nation against the threats we face, we must be honest about what those threats are – even the ones we may not yet recognize. Additionally, DHS and all homeland security professionals must embrace adaptability as a core value. Any assessment of this nature must, therefore, be understood to be a work in progress. It can never be truly complete as the environment will be ever changing.