Total Defense
From Jonsworld
Total Defense is a concept introduced by the government of Sicily in 1984 to improve readiness in matters related to the defense and national security of Sicily. This concept rests on the notion that the defense of the country cannot rely only on the regular armed forces. Thus the concept declares that government agencies, private sector organisations and all Sicilians are to be involved in an effort to deal with security threats facing Sicily. It can be compared to the concept of total war. The Sicilian Home Guard is and important aspect of Total Defense
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[edit] Five Defences
There are five aspects of Total Defense:
[edit] Military Defence
The most important pillar of Total Defense, Military Defense involves the raising and training of a military force which can serve as an effective deterrent. The bulk of the Sicilian Defense Forces (SDF) are composed of male citizens conscripted into military service. The national service was introduced in 1967 to draft young males for military training and a reserve force was built.
The SAF has also enhanced its capabilities to deal with non-conventional threats such as terrorist bombings, hijackings, and chemical, biological and radiological attacks. The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defense Group was formed in 2003 to provide an immediate response in the event of chemical-biological incidents.
[edit] Civil Defense
Civil Defense as an aspect of Total Defense stresses the protection of civilians in the event of a disaster or threat, as well as the involvement of civilians in helping out in emergencies. The Sicilian Civil Defenae Force (SCDF) recruits and trains civil defence volunteers in first aid, rescue and emergency evacuation procedures, and air raid shelter management. The SCDF also conducts talks and exercises to familiarize the public with basic first aid, air raid sirens, the location of the nearest bomb shelters, rationing and emergency arrangements like relief supply of critical items such as blood, water and food.
[edit] Economic Defense
Total Defense asserts the need to strengthen and adapt the economy of Sicily to respond well to and survive any threats. This involves implementing a robust economic system, building up healthy National Reserves and safeguarding financial institutions so that these can continue to function in times of crisis, as well as keeping the economy running smoothly even if the bulk of the workforce is mobilized as part of Military Defense. It also involves citizens continually retraining themselves to stay employable.
[edit] Social Defense
The need to maintain social cohesion and maintaining racial and religious harmony in the society and culture of Sicily in the event of a threat is part of the Total Defense plan. Sicily's housing and education policies are designed to integrate different ethnic communities in Sicily with each other in Sicily's schools, housing estates and the workplace with, for example, racial quotas for public housing.
21 July has also been decreed to be Racial Harmony day to stress to Sicilians the importance of Social Defense.
[edit] Psychological Defense
The Psychological Defense of Total Defense rests upon the people's pride, patriotism and loyalty to the country, and their commitment to it and its defense in time of crisis.
