Is the United States in Danger of Another 9/11 Attack?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 18:28:26 -0500

RP Members has the United States gotten to comfortable since 9/11?

Have we let down are guard and vigilance to thwart off another major catastrophic attack on the United States? History tells us we have

I believe we have. Here is small example. Camp Pendleton, CA posted a sign saying that Feb 1, 2016 no one can come on base without a military ID. Why would they say that in the first place?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 5 at 2016 6:30 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 18:30:04 -0500

I think so COL Mikel J. Burroughs but I doubt that it will be airplanes which we have been expecting since 9/11/2001. I expect it may more likely be executed my hundreds of individuals distributed around our nation mocking the points of light which was an inspiration to many.
I expect chemical plants, power infrastructure and critical transportation nodes would be the initial targets and the symbols of our capitalistic foundation would be follow-on targets with intent to inflict as much suffering as possible on the people of this nation.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Feb 5 at 2016 6:31 PM

SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 18:31:37 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs CPT Private RallyPoint Member CPT Walt Tollefson TSgt Hunter Logan SGT Brian Carr I think we are very vulnerable to terrorist attacks and not properly vetting these refugees is just the tip of the iceberg. We should never forget 9/11.
Gun free zones have been a target of choice of the last few years

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 5 at 2016 6:44 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 18:44:28 -0500

Haven't we already. Boston. San Bernardino. Others. Terror attacks don't require great explosions. Sometimes they're announced by things that go bump in the night. Terrorists don't need jet planes or mass casualties to create a sense of fear. Indeed, the repetitive rat-tat-tat of small attacks may be even more effective. The sight of aliens illegally trespassing across our borders with is enough to cause some sleepless nights. Our President denying the threat and welcoming potential terrorists to our land, even financing their transportation, is a form of terrorism unless you believe his tales of Muslims whispering in the ears of the Founders and guiding their hands as they inscribed the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. So, yes we are at risk. Even more, we are under attack from within and without.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 5 at 2016 6:49 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 18:49:38 -0500

Not "if" but "when."

Response by CAPT Tom Bersson made Feb 5 at 2016 7:01 PM

CAPT Tom Bersson — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 19:01:07 -0500

It has been many years, it is natural that we have let our guard down. though we are better prepared than we were before 9/11.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 5 at 2016 7:24 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 19:24:42 -0500

We are now and always will be. Although we have some of the best people in the world in our intel agencies, they are always looking for soft targets.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Feb 5 at 2016 7:51 PM

SFC William Farrell — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 19:51:35 -0500

I hope not COL Mikel J. Burroughs. But as CPT Jack Durish says, we dont need planes or big bombs to instill terror. I shall remain ever vigilant and armed till the day I die. And if I should so die defending the homeland as I have sworn to so many years ago, I will have died a soldier's death.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 5 at 2016 8:15 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 20:15:33 -0500

We are the 4th largest country in the world. We cannot "completely" DEFEND it. We can't. It's not feasible. All we can do is create a big enough DETERRENT that no one will want to attack us, and hopefully create big enough logistical problems that it's really difficult to do.

Those who will do us harm have the advantage of time and surprise. If they wait long enough, they can. Not "if" but "when" and "how bad."

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made Feb 5 at 2016 8:36 PM

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 20:36:16 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I am with LTC Stephen F. and CPT Jack Durish on this one. Border's wide open! I believe they will go after our infrastructure. nuclear power plants, communications, power grids, chemical plants , major highways, etc, etc.. But we should never let our guard down. Period ! If their is anything that my military experience has taught me. Is to be vigilant !
One day we might be seeing a attack on TV again. But, it could be just a diversion while the Terrorist hit a bigger soft target.... Sad state of affairs we live in... But , it is what it is..
If you see something,,,,, say something ! We all must be Vigilant !

Response by CPO Tim Dickey made Feb 5 at 2016 11:14 PM

CPO Tim Dickey — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 23:14:16 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, I'm not sure we can prevent another 9/11. When they put people like me out to pasture, who have a real passion for targeting the bad guys, they are just asking for another attack.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 6 at 2016 7:22 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 07:22:03 -0500

Yes, as long as we have liberals telling us to not accuse certain groups of being of terrorist level, then we will always be at risk of attack. Remember the old saying: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Feb 6 at 2016 1:21 PM

COL Ted Mc — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 13:21:53 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs - Mikel; Is it a question of "becoming complacent" or "ceasing to be 'paranoid'?

I'm firmly of the opinion that the "people in the shadows" are working as hard now as they were immediately after the WTC/Pentagon mass murders.

Are they going to be able to stop ALL attacks, of course not. To stop ALL attacks would necessitate turning America into a police state (and a REALLY intrusive one that ignores its own laws at that).

Response by SSgt Billy Chisum made Feb 6 at 2016 1:23 PM

SSgt Billy Chisum — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 13:23:57 -0500

It would be foolish to say no, sadly I think a majority of the country has forgotten the sentiments built around that day

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 6 at 2016 1:32 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 13:32:05 -0500

Of Course. Americans have the Attention Span of a Knat, Osama Bin Laden knew that. We are the Proverbial Drunken Idiot when it comes to the World Stage, which doesn't make us very popular. I started in the Private Security Industry not long after 9/11 and I have seen a drastic change in how these threats are viewed. From extreme security possibly overkill to a business as usual before 9/11 returning. On top of the more relaxed Gun Laws since which only enable both Foreign and Domestic Terrorists (Can't tell the Bad Guys from the Good Guys anymore with everybody armed, at least here in Kansas). Just the View of a Private Security Officer and Retired Navy Spook.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 6 at 2016 6:50 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 18:50:23 -0500

I am sure they are planning the coup de grace.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2016 11:51 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:51:05 -0500

The United States is always in danger. That is the essence of terror. We do our best to protect from harm and continue to live our lives in order to stop the 2nd order effects of threats.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 7 at 2016 12:22 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 00:22:10 -0500

Yes, we are every day.

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Feb 7 at 2016 3:17 AM

PO1 Kerry French — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 03:17:08 -0500

This enemy is very patient... and have a very long memory

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2016 10:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 10:57:27 -0500

No, 1 because airport security is ridiculously tight. 2 they would another high profile target. Economically there is t many other symbols for them left to hit. 3 in the years since then we've hardened the capital region with a structured air defense network and direct lines of communication from the joes manning the systems straight to NORAD to include the FAA.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 8 at 2016 8:18 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 08:18:39 -0500

It's very well possible. Terrorist plan and wait years to do attacks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2016 10:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 10:04:18 -0500

Sadly i do believe that s**t is gonna hit the fan again. Its a matter of time.

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made Mar 25 at 2016 5:13 AM

SFC Marcus Belt — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 05:13:27 -0400

Yes. But don't worry about it. It is, and will always be so. This is the new normal./

Response by TSgt Dawn Premock made Mar 26 at 2016 9:45 AM

TSgt Dawn Premock — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 09:45:28 -0400

My grandfather always said history repeats itself. He was in the Army Air Force during WWII. Now that I'm grown and seen what I have, I agree with him. We have become to complacent.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Mar 26 at 2016 5:31 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 17:31:12 -0400

***WARNING***OPINION*AHEAD***WARNING***
Directly after 9/11, our security measures became intense, and no one in the public complained, it was all for the security of our Country.

Unfortunately, we live in a society which is trying its best to forget about the attacks. The problems of each individuals personal matters began to once again, trump the problems of the Nation, and people rise up and complain of long lines at the airport because of being "inconvenienced" by the TSA officials.

When the people of a Nation once again begin to demand that they, as individuals, believe that their work or life is more valuable than the protection of our Country, our Nation becomes smaller.

In today's life, a Nations security is only as good as the public opinion, if the Government allows the needs of a few outweigh the security of the masses. I didn't mind air travel after 9/11. I felt secure. I didn't mind going through the lines and taking my shoes off and other instructions, because I always leave early enough to plan on problems, and felt safe when others had to do the same thing.

Today, so much fussing and complaining has been done that the government has once again caved to the masses.

The sad part to this entire "Threat Level" indicator is that it was only a security blanket. The reason the CIA and FBI did not coordinate in the beginning is because there was really nothing to indicate that they should. CIA was handling terrorism abroad, and FBI was handling Terrorism here.

Now, there have been "conspiracy theories" that say that the Bush Administration new about the attack and allowed it to happen. Me, I deal in proof and facts, and there has been no evidence to support a comment, so I am approaching the following with the true actions that this was not one of those conspiracy theories.

That being said, what does the Homeland Security Terror Threat Level really mean? To give you an idea, prior to 9/11, our threat level would have either been at "Green" or "Blue". There was no credible threat that any of us heard about.

So, using that fact it is quite easy to say that our threat level to our Nations Homeland Security should be in the red perpetually. Each day that we make it without a terrorist activity just puts us one day closer to the next. I hope this makes sense to everyone, but the only thing that lowering that threat level does is that it gives the general public the false sense of security that makes them speak up and falsely claim there is no war, when this most definitely a sign that there was.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 27 at 2016 10:33 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 10:33:48 -0400

With the borders we got, anything is possible. I just wonder if our intel services have decided to work together? I also know how complacent things get after some time. There are too many place, we can't watch all at once. In the past years we've done done a lot to help them out. I don't expect us to go into lock down mode, but we all need to keep up the standard. We've seen what's happened in Europe, Africa and around, and we know THEY want us, and it will come.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Mar 27 at 2016 1:51 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 13:51:42 -0400

Yes, Obama has opened the door to all this shit. WW II was completed in 4 years and the Civil War was too. There was true leadership back in those days. A war that takes 14 years. There is a lack of leadership today.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 3:18 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 15:18:17 -0400

I will go against the grain of many who posted and say no. You can't compare 2, 977 deaths to 16, 14, or four deaths. I understand perception is reality to some, but that is not the actual reality on the ground that we currently live in. Let's keep in mind that grand terrorist attacks like 9/11 are very unlikely in this current environment for a number of reasons, but mainly due to security measures that have been enacted. Secondly, the most likely threat that we face are one off or less sophisticated attacks such as a single attacker or a small group of people. However, as I have stated before we have over 313,000 deaths in America over the past 12 years to 313 deaths by terror. We had 2,381 deaths in Afghanistan and 4,496 in Iraq fighting a war. I just want to note that we do face serious threats, but when we sensationalize events without full context we can mislead people and stoke fear in the general population. Lastly, we have a lot of soft targets in the United States. We have an enormous amount of guns in the United States. We have a lot of material available to make bombs. Unless we want to live in a police state on steroids and relinquish our freedoms, then we must accept risks as we do everyday that we may die at the hands of a disease, a car crash, STDs, or an American, but less likely from a terrorist. What say you?

Response by PO1 Robert Fast made Mar 29 at 2016 12:56 AM

PO1 Robert Fast — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 00:56:26 -0400

The signs are all there, but it has been a choice of our country to ignore them. Why in heavens name would the leader of the free world choose to take a chance on importing terrorism? I do not have the answer and I am not prone to hatred or conspiracies but you must ask the questions that may very well decide the fate of those you love and care for. Why exactly had everyone forgotten 9/11? Oh we remember but we are trained to remember, do you remember the day when not a single American forgot the tragedies imposed on us? Or when we took the fight to those who only wished to kill the innocent and weak? I am deeply saddened and troubled buy the state of our country and if this nation did not make choices to end our downfall we are lost. I am not trying to be negative but history is forgotten and will therefore repeat. I only wish my fellow citizens lived this country as we do!

Response by PO1 Robert Fast made Mar 29 at 2016 12:56 AM

PO1 Robert Fast — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 00:56:29 -0400

Response by PO1 Jack Howell made Mar 30 at 2016 1:29 PM

PO1 Jack Howell — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 13:29:44 -0400

With the President that's in office now, yes. As for in the future, that's open to debate.

Response by PFC Jay Miner made Sep 15 at 2016 12:20 PM

PFC Jay Miner — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 12:20:30 -0400

I sincerely hope not, My Unit was activated for the WTC Attack in Sept 01.....I saw things that can never be unseen......