Transformation, change management, corporate turnaround.

For purposes of our discussion, when it comes to National Security, transformation is a term that includes change management, corporate turnaround, reengineering of processes, and major behavioral and cognitive change.

After 9/11, the DOD created an Office of Force Transformation. This office

TRANSFORMATION OF NATIONAL SECURITY--IT'S JUST BEGINNING!

Such transformation involves not only a change in strategic, operational, and institutional processes and procedures; it involves a complete recast and change in our democratic way of thinking and philosophy. For example, for those of you who have traveled recently by air, you were probably surprised by the additional security measures you were subjected to prior to boarding your flight, from the new concrete barriers in the lanes as you approached the airport terminal, the questions at the counter about who packed your suitcase, to the questions and wanding by TSA employees at the entrance ramp prior to boarding your flight.

Many of the changes that were new since 9/11 are now a thing of the past, such as the requirement to stay seated 30-45 minutes prior to your plane's arrival at an airport in a major metropolitan area or the requirement to hand over any and all razors or scissors of any type. For example, after 9/11, razor-type blades, such as box cutters, utility knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, and safety razors were prohibited carry-on items. Now, based on operational experience, safety razors (including disposable razors) are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. Razor-Type blades, such as box cutters, utility knives, and razor blades not in a cartridge are not permitted in carry-on baggage. Also, scissors with metal, pointed tips are not permitted in your carry-on baggage; however, scissors with plastic or metal blunt tips are permitted in your carry-on. TSA has, based on their operational experience, made such revisions to these requirements.

Nevertheless, I think we will be seeing in the future new security requirements related to how personal luggage and cargo is processed. In order to minimize the waiting times associated with screening and processing of luggage, airlines may provide incentives or rewards to passengers who provide their luggage to the airline 24 hours in advance of a flight's departure.

I can also see changes and incentives being offered to passengers who agree to provide, well in advance of their ticketing, biometric identifying information, documentation, and flight destinations and times prior to purchasing tickets.

TRANSFORMATION, CHANGE MANAGEMENT, CORPORATE TURNAROUND

Whether you call it transformation, change management, or corporate turnaround, based on the events of 9/11, the way this Nation carries out their day-today business and operates as a Democracy has changed forever.

Lee Jackson

Sr. VP and COO, Strategic Solutions, LLC

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