Two Fort Hood Reviews Released

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The public summary of the Fort Hood Review that was ordered in November, was released today. The President’s national security team was directed to review the files from all relevant agencies and determine “how any such information was handled, shared, and acted upon within and across departments and agencies.”

In addition, the White House stated that two other reviews have been initiated, including an an independent review of Department of Defense (DOD) policies and procedures which was released earlier today. Defense Secretary Gates said “The review concluded that force-protection programs are not properly focused on internal threats such as workplace violence and self-radicalization, the problem is compounded in the absence of a clear understanding of what motivates a person to become radicalized and commit violent acts.” He also said, commanders and supervisors do not have the tools or authority to intervene when personnel “at risk of potential violence make contact or establish relationships with persons or entities that promote self-radicalization.” “We need to refine our understanding of what these behavioral signals are and how they progress,” he said.


The second, from the FBI, has Judge William Webster conducting a broad review of the FBI’s handling of information and looking at laws and policies governing the FBI’s ability to act on such information.

Recommendations made to the President in the�national security team review include:

Processes and Protocols: Though information sharing between agencies and departments has improved dramatically since September 2001, there is still room for improvement in certain areas. Communication protocols between DOD and the Department of Justice regarding disaffected individuals, in particular, need to be improved, and the policies governing information sharing and cooperation between the two departments on investigative matters require additional clarification and re-calibration.

Intelligence and Law Enforcement Analysis: A more thorough and layered analysis of certain information available to intelligence and law enforcement personnel must be conducted, along with ensuring the appropriate allocation of resources to accomplish that goal.

Information Technology: The United States Government must continue to enhance its information technology in order to better and more readily identify relevant data.

Training: The Joint Terrorism Task Forces should improve their personnel training, including of detailees from other departments and agencies, to ensure that those assigned are both adequately equipped and fully aware of all available tools to perform the critical tasks they are called upon to complete.

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