DSI’s Border Security Summit to discuss border protection, advance intelligence capabilities

The 2018 Border Security & Intelligence Summit, presented by the Defense Strategies Institute, will provide an open forum for the discussion of initiatives in action that strengthen U.S. border protection and advance the development of intelligence capabilities.

The summit, titled “Enhancing Security through All-Source Intelligence Integration,” will be held April 18-19 at the Mary M. Gates Learning Center in Alexandria, Va., and will welcome members of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as well as military commanders and accompanying critical organization senior leaders. The event will focus specifically on ways to stop transnational crime organizations and violent extremism from entering the United States.

Through a variety of panel discussions and events, the summit will support its main objective of highlighting the Trump Administration’s focus on the essential need for advanced surveillance and intelligence capabilities when it comes to protecting the nation’s borders. Agenda topics for the program will include exploring efforts to mitigate border security threats with increased operational effectiveness, addressing interagency gaps in information sharing, developing technology provided to border security that can sufficiently meet mission needs, among others.

Event speakers will include David Glawe, DHS under secretary for Intelligence and Analysis; Russell Travers, acting director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Office of The Director of National Intelligence; Ronald Vitiello, acting deputy commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Douglas Poole, assistant administrator and chief of intelligence at the Drug Enforcement Agency.

On April 18, the event will feature a panel discussion on using unmanned systems capabilities to strengthen border security and gather intelligence, moderated by Henry H. Willis, deputy director of the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center and senior policy researcher at RAND Corporation. Experts will discuss the application of patrol drones for reduced operation costs and to improve accesibility in high-risk areas.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Laura Yeager, commanding general of Joint Task Force North, will lead a session on April 19 on efforts to strengthen military partnerships with Mexico and thwart transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). She will discuss advancements toward protecting the public and critical infrastructure against external threats, as well as the United States’ teamwork with Canada to enhance border interoperability.

Over the course of the two-day program, participants will have the chance to build partnerships and access ample networking options as well as share their own insight and knowledge during a variety of interactive sessions. The format of the event also provides attendees the opportunity to address panel speakers with questions and comments concerning current initiatives and developing capabilities.

Considered an educational and training forum, the Border Security Summit is complimentary to all Department of Defense and Federal employees. Industry and academia members will be charged a fee for admission.

For more information, to register or to download the agenda for the summit: http://bordersecuritysummit.dsigroup.org/