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Can you give examples of a HUT?
Can you give examples of what is NOT a HUT?
What are the different competitions that you’re organizing?
Am I eligible to enter a competition?
Are there any restrictions on the submission content?
Can I include other people in an entry?
How many times may I enter one competition?
Can an individual or group join more than one competition?
Why do I need to pay for each and every entry?
Can I get refund after I’ve submitted an entry form?
How do I enter a competition?
Where are the venues for the competition?
What are the necessary steps in order to compete?
How will my entry be judged?
Do I have to be a professional?
Does my entry need to be in English?
What will happen to my entry?
Do I still keep the copyrights of my entry?
What is the “Destroying” competition all about?
If you have a threat to the United States, the European Union, Israel, the Vatican and/or New York that’s never been thought of before, we want to know about it!
Contestants should create a scenario of the destruction of the USA, EU, Israel, the Vatican and New York. Accordingly, the threats must not only come from the traditional and easily-recognizable, e.g.:
· Guns
· Bladed weapons
· Bombs
· Known or stockpiled weapons of mass destruction
· Atomic or nuclear weapons,
· Computer hacking,
· Poisoning,
· Known biological weapons
· Meteors from outer space
· Invaders from outer space
· Migration
· Economic depressions recessions modeled from historical facts
· Or anything of similar nature as determined by ISSC.
We’re looking for, but not limited to, processes, methods, delivery systems, networks, inventions, innovations, discoveries, from all field and disciplines, from the arts to the sciences, that push the boundaries of human imagination and may someday threaten our current civilization.
What is a Hitherto Unimagined Threat (HUT)?
Let’s parse.
· Hitherto is defined as “up to this time.”
· Unimagined is defined as “never been thought of before.”
· And “threat” is defined as “intentions and capabilities that suggest it could become an adversary or challenge the national security interests of the United States or its allies (paraphrased for our own purposes from the U.S. Army Regulation 350-2).
Push the limits of your imagination and creativity. Think of a threat – military, scientific, technological, political, economic, historical, social, religions, etc. – that has never been thought of or planned before. Now make it into a feasible, viable and practical reality. That’s a H.U.T.
Can you give examples of a HUT?
Before December 7, 1941, America never imagined an attack on Pearl Harbor.
Before September 11, 2001, using jet planes to attack the World Trade Center were unimaginable.
If you plan to attack the United States with traditional and easily-recognizable weapons (guns, bombs, biological weapons, etc.) what method or process of delivery would you use to circumvent, bypass, or override existing defense systems? That is just one example of a HUT.
An algorithm or a computer hacking software that can bring down the entire American cyber grid, or an explosive device using readily-available, every-day, over-the-counter products, or a newly-discovered biological weapon currently unknown to scientists, are other examples of HUTs. In reality and actuality, of course, entries should not be this simple.
If you have a plausible scenario of an economic collapse due to socio-political and economic factors (e.g. immigration, corruption, inept public officials, etc.), you should include an economic model.
The possibilities are endless.
One thing is for certain, a HUT is limited only by the human imagination.
Can you give an example of what is NOT a HUT?
You write dozens of pages of information on the history, construction and mass production of nuclear weapons. That is not a HUT. That’s a paper on nuclear weapons.
You postulate a new wave of attacks on New York City using cars. We know it can happen. In this case, this is not a HUT. But how do you do it without being detected? That’s a HUT.
An economic collapse due to socio-political and economic factors (e.g. immigration, corruption, inept public officials, etc.) WITHOUT an economic model.
Remember this dictum: DON’T TELL US WHAT IS KNOWN. GIVE US THE UNKNOWN AND UNIMAGINED.
Can you provide some links and literature on threats?
No. We suggest only one thing -- RESEARCH.
What are you going to do with the information on Hitherto Unimagined Threats (HUTs)?
We will compile a database that can be used to protect, secure and defend the USA, EU, Israel, the Vatican and New York from future unimagined threats. The goal is to assist and supplement the work and research of public and private agencies concerning HUTs.
All this information will be distributed to selected universities and research institutions in the United States, Europe, the Vatican, and Israel, including, but not limited to, relevant United States government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Library of Congress.
In certain cases, private researchers and organizations may be given access to information, but access will never be provided to a third-party, outside those mentioned above, without the express written consent of the author/s.
In the event that a HUT, or parts thereof, can be copyrighted and/or patented, and an individual or business enterprise shows interests and informs ISSC of its manufacturing potential and/or commercial value, including but not limited to, books, graphic novels, videos, video games, movies, etc., ISSC will inform the author, in writing, about the individual or business enterprise’s intent.
Concerning entries and data obtained from the “Destroying Israel” contests, the Institute for the Study of Succession and Continuity will provide information to selected Israeli universities and organizations, as well as the Israeli government, for free.
Concerning the entries and data obtained from the “Destroying the Vatican” contests, the Institute for the Study of Succession and Continuity will provide information to selected Catholic universities and organizations, as well as the Vatican government, for free.
ISSC, by itself, will never retain any and all HUT information. We are fully aware of the security vulnerabilities of our organization, vis a vis the relentless pursuit of malevolent elements to obtain information from us. Most importantly, we adhere to the principle of “checks and balances. Thus, we encourage and ensure that ISSC does not have a monopoly on HUT information.
What are the different competitions that you’re organizing?
Destroying America: The International Competition to Defend the USA from Hitherto Unimagined Threats
Destroying Israel: The International Competition to Defend the Jewish Nation from Hitherto Unimagined Threats
Destroying the Vatican: The International Competition to Defend Christianity from Hitherto Unimagined Threats
Destroying New York: The International Competition to Defend the Empire State from Hitherto Unimagined Threats
Am I eligible to enter a competition?
Any person 18 and older is eligible to enter the competition. Anyone below the age of 18 should have written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Are there any restrictions on the submission content?
With the exception of human imagination, there are no restrictions. However, like all competitions in this world, your entry must comply with our Terms and Conditions.
Can I include other people in an entry?
You may enter a competition either as an individual or in a team with a maximum of fifteen (15) members.
How many times may I enter one competition?
As much as you want, either as an individual, with a partner, as a trio or a quartet, or party of any group.
Please note. If you choose to submit more than one entry for each competition you will be required to submit another application and pay the corresponding fees.
For example, you want to submit one entry concerning nuclear weapons and another entry concerning cyber-attack to the “Destroying America” competition. You will have to pay the corresponding fees for both the “nuclear weapons” entry and the “cyber-attack” entry.
Can an individual or group join more than one contest?
Yes. You can join two, three, four or all five (5) contests.
For example, you can join both the “Destroying the Vatican” competition and “Destroying Israel” competition, or choose the “Destroying America” competition and “Destroying New York” competition, or any combination of some or all of the competitions. Please note, if you choose to enter more than one competition you will be required to submit another application and pay the corresponding fees.
How much are the entry fees?
Individual:
Early entry: $15 (Starting August 6, 2010 until August 31, 2010)
Regular entry: $15 (September 1, 2010 until February 4, 2011)
Group:
- Two (2) to four (4) members: $20 each member
- Five (5) to seven (7) members: $25 each member
- Eight (8) to ten (10) members: $30 each
- Eleven (11) to thirteen (13) members: $40 each member
- Fourteen (14) to fifteen (15) members: $50 each member
I already paid an entry fee for one contest. Do I need to pay again if I join another?
Yes. For example, if you want to join both the “Destroying America” Competition and the “Destroying Israel” Competition you have to pay the corresponding entry fee for both. If you join more competitions, you have to pay the corresponding entry fee for that, and so on.
Why do I need to pay for each and every entry?
One word – costs. We hired professionals to look at all the entries. They are experts in their fields and will look at the merits of each and every entry. That means they need to be compensated. As a non-profit organization, we cannot entirely shoulder these expenses.
Can I get refund after I’ve submitted an entry form?
If you wish for a refund because you no longer want to take part in the competition/s for one reason or another, please send us an email at refunds@greatestchallenge.org. Please include your reason/s for requesting a refund, and limit the contents of the letter to five hundred (500) words. We will only accept requests for refunds within sixty (60) calendar days after the submission of an entry. We will not entertain any requests beyond this allotted time frame. Refunds will either be in the form of money order or company check, and will be sent to you via post mail within ninety (90) business days after the announcement of the winners of all the categories for that particular year. A $20 transaction fee will be deducted from each entry that requests a refund.
How do I enter a competition?
2. Fill-out the application/entry form.
4. Pay the corresponding fee/s.
5. Submit your HUT Documents.
When can I begin to submit entry forms?
“Destroying America” Competition begins on August 6, 2010 at 12am EST
“Destroying the European Union” Competition begins on August 6, 2010 at 12am EST
“Destroying Israel” Competition begins on August 6, 2010 at 12am EST
“Destroying the Vatican” Competition begins on August 6, 2010 at 12am EST
“Destroying New York” Competition begins on August 6, 2010 at 12am EST
When is the deadline for the submission of entry forms?
Submissions must be received by Friday, February 4, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Where are the venues for the competitions?
Due to the political sensitivity of the contests and as a matter of security for everyone involved, we do not publicly disclose the exact location of the venues for each contest. As stated in the Terms in Conditions, there will be preliminary screenings of all entries and applications. Only selected finalists will be informed of the location of the venue. In other words, this is by invitation only.
ISSC will send invitations via regular post mail and/or courier service. This contains the following information:
a. Acceptance letter
b. Venue of the competition/s.
c. Receipt letter informing ISSC that you have received your Acceptance Letter
d. Return envelope
Inclusion of the finalists is not assured until ISSC or its representatives get back the signed receipt letter and other required documents. There will be three (3) attempts to contact the finalist. If the receipt letter is not returned to ISSC within fifteen (15) business days, the next top finalist will be chosen as a replacement.
The use of post mail or courier enables us to ensure truthfulness in most, if not all, entries.
What are the necessary steps in order to compete?
Please read the Terms and Conditions for detailed information on the contest, and don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the contest timeline.
How will my entry be judged?
A Screening Committee will choose the finalists from all entries. The finalists will then proceed to the next round of judging. If your entry makes it into the list of finalists, you will be required to undergo a background check as well as submit other legal documentation as outlined in the Terms and Conditions. Upon clearance, a Judges Panel will choose the top five (5) entries based on originality, innovation, invention, feasibility and viability. The Judges Panel will vote to determine the winners for each Contest. Full details on the judging process are outlined in the Terms and Conditions.
Do I have to be a professional?
No. We encourage amateurs, hobbyists, independent researchers and academics. If you don’t belong to any category you are free to create your own. Just tell us about it.
Does my entry need to be in English?
Yes.
What will happen to my entry?
Copies of your entry will be provided to, and stored in, the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., the ISSC library, and other organizations that require or necessitate its acquisition. Respective copies will also be provided to the Vatican, the European Union, Israel, New York and/or other agencies, cities, states, nations, organizations and/or individuals.
Do I still keep the copyrights of my entry?
As mentioned in the Terms and Conditions, you still have the copyright to the contents of your entry but the Institute for the Study of Succession and Continuity (ISSC) reserves the right to withhold your entry and any and all documents and forms of communication pertaining to it, indefinitely, when it is deemed by ISSC, in cooperation and consultation with local and/or federal government agencies, that release of your entry to the general public is inimical to the security of, but not limited to, the United States, the Vatican, the European Union, Israel, New York and/or other agencies, cities, states, nations, organizations and/or individuals.
In such cases, ISSC will inform you in writing about our decision to withhold your entry from release to the general public. We also reserve the right to withhold this information indefinitely, of course, within the provisions of the laws of the United States of America.
Are you terrorists fronting as a legitimate contest?
No. We adhere to the belief that if America wants to pursue ultimate good, we must be able to comprehend and control ultimate evil. We have done this before with the Nazis during the Second World War, the Communists during the Cold War, and currently with the Axis of Evil. In short, it is best to know our enemy.
ISSC does not, in any form, sort, way, and/or manner, condone, support or tolerate terrorism.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt mentioned in his First Inaugural Address:
"...the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."
With the use of the greatest concentration of knowledged in human history, as found in the United States of America, ISSC hopes to confront and preempt unimagined terrorism before they become reality.
Most importantly, all the competitions are part of discipline called "Red Team" and "Alternative Analysis."
"Red Teaming is the practice of viewing a problem from an adversary or competitor’s perspective. The goal of most red teams is to enhance decision making, either by specifying the adversary’s preferences and strategies or by simply acting as a devil’s advocate (Red Team Journal, http://redteamjournal.com/about/red-teaming-and-alternative-analysis/).
You can read more about ISSC's "Red Team" Competitions here.
How can we be sure that the information we receive will not fall into terrorists’ hands?
ISSC, by itself, will never monopolize HUT information. We are fully aware of the security vulnerabilities of our organization, vis a vis the relentless pursuit of malevolent elements to obtain information from us, now and in the future. Most importantly, we adhere to the principle of “checks and balances." This encourages and ensures that ISSC does not have a monopoly on HUT information.
Most importantly, ISSC continuously cooperates and coordinates with the United States government and other relevant organizations to obtain and maintain national security clearances for most, if not most, of our management, staff, personnel and consultants.
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