Attack at Fort Hood: Experiences and Suggestions for Security William P
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2017 Attack at Fort Hood: Experiences and Suggestions for Security William P. Moravits Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Public Policy Commons, and the Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by William Moravits has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Richard DeParis, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Eliesh Lane, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Paul Rutledge, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2017 Abstract Attack at Fort Hood: Experiences and Suggestions for Security by William Phillip Clark Moravits MA, Texas State University, 2013 BA, Texas A&M University, 2000 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University November 2017 Abstract In the past 8 years, at least 4 lone wolf terrorists have targeted military bases or recruiting centers in the United States and research suggests attack on the US military are increasing globally. The problem was that research had not addressed the lived experiences of survivors of lone wolf attacks or how they could inform procedures regarding a sense of security for military men and women. The purpose of this research was to establish a need to address threats to the security of the military from these attacks, to provide a rich description of survivors’ experiences of the attack at Fort Hood, and to identify suggestions for improving military personnel’s sense of security while on base. Using the community based approach to public health, the central research question asked how the lived experiences of survivors of the attack at Fort Hood could lead to an increased sense of security on base. This phenomenological research provided a detailed description of survivors’ experiences and their reflections on improving military personnel’s sense of security. The population consisted of the 31 soldiers injured in the attack. A purposeful sample was used to recruit 5 participants for researcher-constructed interviews. I analyzed data and used NVivo 11 for organization. The study revealed high levels of stress, hyperawareness, and significant negative changes in the lives of these soldiers. The finding suggest an increased show of force by police throughout the base, a designated office to anonymously report suspicious activity, and more training to help soldiers cope with the experiences of combat related trauma. The implications for social change include an increased sense of security for military personnel, better training for dealing with combat related trauma, and deterrents for future lone wolf attacks. Attack at Fort Hood: Experiences and Suggestions for Security by William Phillip Clark Moravits MA, Texas State University, 2013 BA, Texas A&M University, 2000 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University November 2017 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my wife, Rosie. She has been an inspiration to me and a source of great strength in my academic journey. It was her love and support that convinced me to pursue a doctoral degree. It was her steadfast faith in me that allowed me to complete the journey when at times I felt like I would never get here. Her patience, encouragement, and love have been irreplaceable to me over the past four and a half years. I will be forever in her debt. I love you, mi Corazon. I would also like to offer a very special thank you and dedication to the five individuals who took part in this research. Your sacrifice, heroism, and willingness to offer your time to a stranger are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. I am so very grateful. May God Bless you all. Acknowledgments I want to offer my sincere thanks to all of the wonderful faculty at Walden University, with special thanks to Dr. Rich DeParis, Dr. Eliesh Lane, and Dr. Paul Rutledge, who served as my chair, committee member, and URR, respectively. Their support and guidance have been invaluable to me during my educational journey and dissertation process. In addition, I would like to thank Dr. Kenneth Grasso of Texas State University. He served as my master’s chair and positively influenced my academic career in a substantial way. I also want to offer my sincere thanks to my parents and step-parents; George and Shirley; and Michael and Sharon, who have always encouraged my academic endeavors and instilled a strong work ethic in me. They served as great examples of lifelong learners. Your influences on me have been greatly appreciated. Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background of the Study ...............................................................................................2 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................5 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................6 Research Questions ........................................................................................................7 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................7 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................9 Definitions....................................................................................................................10 Assumptions .................................................................................................................11 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................12 Limitations ...................................................................................................................13 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................15 Significance to Practice......................................................................................... 16 Significance to Theory .......................................................................................... 17 Significance to Social Change .............................................................................. 18 Summary ......................................................................................................................18 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................20 Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................21 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................21 Literature Review.........................................................................................................22 i Summary ......................................................................................................................60 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................62 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................62 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................64 Methodology ................................................................................................................66 Participant Selection Logic ................................................................................... 66 Instrumentation ..................................................................................................... 69 Procedures for Participation and Data Collection ................................................. 72 Data Analysis Plan ................................................................................................ 73 Issues of Trustworthiness .............................................................................................77 Credibility ............................................................................................................. 77 Transferability ....................................................................................................... 77 Dependability .......................................................................................................