Kurt Schlichter’s The Attack presents a chillingly plausible scenario: a coordinated assault on the United States—over three days—that leaves the nation reeling. Inspired by the devastating Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, 2024, Schlichter crafts a story that serves as both a gripping narrative and a stark warning about the vulnerabilities in national and local security. For companies like Six Maritime, dedicated to critical infrastructure protection and security preparedness, the novel underscores why vigilance is vital.
Lessons in Vulnerability
Schlichter’s story begins with a coordinated infiltration of terrorists through the southern border, working in conjunction with criminal cartels. Over the course of 72 hours, Americans face devastating attacks on public spaces, residential areas, schools, and critical infrastructure, including cyber networks. Through a unique oral history format, readers gain insights from survivors, first responders, and officials, painting a harrowing picture of societal collapse and resilience.
While fictional, The Attack illuminates real-world security gaps:
- Critical Infrastructure Threats: Disruptions to power grids, water supplies, and communications systems exacerbate the chaos of a physical assault.
- Border and Port Vulnerabilities: Infiltration through uncontrolled access points emphasizes the need for robust security protocols at all national entryways—a focus area for Six Maritime’s expertise in maritime security.
- Cybersecurity: The interconnectivity of modern systems means that even a small cyberattack can amplify the damage of physical threats, cutting communities off from emergency services and resources.
What The Attack Teaches About Preparedness
Schlichter’s novel isn’t just about highlighting vulnerabilities; it’s also about emphasizing the importance of preparation. As a nation, there are several critical areas to address:
Personal Preparedness:
- Situational Awareness: Being mindful of your surroundings and recognizing potential threats can save lives in chaotic situations.
- Emergency Kits: Keep essential items (water, food, medical supplies, and communication tools) readily accessible at home, in your car, and at your workplace.
Community-Level Strategies:
- Education and Drills: Families and businesses should have clear plans for what to do during mass chaos, including meeting points and evacuation routes.
- Collaborating with Local Security Providers: Private security companies play an essential role in safeguarding events, facilities, and vulnerable areas.
National and Critical Infrastructure:
- Increased Vigilance: Enhancing monitoring and security protocols at ports, shipyards, and other vital areas is critical. This aligns with Six Maritime’s focus on protecting naval vessels and large-scale events involving critical assets.
- Public-Private Collaboration: Companies like Six Maritime can partner with local governments to fortify security strategies and conduct scenario-based training.
The scenarios depicted in The Attack are extreme, but they highlight an important truth: modern security requires anticipating the unexpected. Six Maritime has long championed a proactive approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure and events. Our expertise in waterborne security, unmanned technologies, and training ensures that we’re prepared to respond to—and mitigate—potential threats.
Schlichter’s novel ends on a sobering but hopeful note: while attacks can break systems, they can’t break the human spirit when people band together. The Attack challenges us to think critically about our vulnerabilities and take actionable steps to safeguard our future. As individuals, families, businesses, and a nation, preparation is the key to resilience.
For anyone invested in security—whether personally or professionally—The Attack is a must-read. Beyond the riveting story, it’s a call to prioritize safety and preparedness in a world where the unexpected can become a reality.
Six Maritime remains committed to empowering communities and organizations with the tools and training they need to face tomorrow’s challenges. Let us be part of your security solution—because the best defense starts long before a threat emerges.