End of Classes! SRA 211 Final Out-Brief

As I sit in my dorm room on the last weekend of the 07-08 Penn State year, I’m going to take a break from studying for my Econ, Spanish, and Astro finals and catch my readers up on the end of SRA 211: Threat of Terrorism and Crime. Thursday was the final Out-Brief, where the red and blue cells present their findings and security plans to the class, faculty, and staff members in the Cybertorium. My Wednesday was spent in the IST building from 11am till 11pm working on my part, the red cell presentation. Along with Steve, Eileen, Nathan McNeese, Matt Maisel, and Carloine Furey, I was able to construct what was later described to me as a “fantastic presentation.” With some edits done by Col. Graham the next morning, the Out-Brief was about to be underway.

The Presentation

We began with Blue-Cell 3’s brief of what they believed was the plot. They basically nailed it and detailed movements of people and money very well. Next up was Blue-Cell 1 and what they believed the attack was going to be and what security measures needed to be taken at the potential attack locations. Then I was up. I briefed the Organization of our fictitional Jamaat ul-Fuqra, Abu Sayyaf Group, Hsu Crime Syndicate, and Sean Garland. Next I moved to the important operational events. I highlighted ten phases along with reports that were given to the Blue-Cells that demonstrated these phases. I walked through the creation of the Blue-Cells to a weapon demonstration in the Philippines to the day before “T-Day” May 1st. Next up was the money trail. Using my knowledge of mapping, I graphically showed how $2.5 Million went from al Qaeda in Iraq to the Jamaat ul-Fuqra, who gave that to the Abu Sayyaf group, but it was intercepted by the USSS and switched for North Korean fakes. Abus Sayyaf kept $1 Million and used the remaining $1.5 Million to buy $5 Million in Super Notes from the Hsu Crime Syndicate. The Hsu got the $5 Million in Super Notes from Sean Garland, who used contacts in Russia to get $7 Million in Super Notes, he then sold them to the Hsu who kept $2 Million. As you can see, this fictional plot was filled with potential realism.

Looking Back

I believe that the class as a whole was a very good experience. We were gunea pigs in the “grand experiment” to see how a red/blue cell class would work out. I would say that it could be a greater success in a class much smaller than our 200+- class. Other that that, I’m very glad I was able to participate in the class and at this point, want to redirect you to Charlie DuBois’ article on ist.psu.edu where he also covered our Out-Brief.  Also, below is the poster created for help with the presentation and advertisement for the class.  I know that Steve Sharer and Joe Lewis put a lot of work into this.  Thanks guys!