Chemical Weapons Rearmament and the Security of Europe: Can Support be Mustered

Abstract

This memorandum considers the current debate addressing the issue of US/NATO chemical weapons modernization and rearmament. The authors examine the arguments of those who support and oppose major new US chemical warfare initiatives such as the production of binary munitions. They conclude that the Soviet CW arsenal is substantial and discuss the flexibility and roles of chemical munitions in several likely circumstances. However, the authors maintain that a CW environment poses numerous risks and uncertainties to Soviet planners and that NATO's position is not so impotent as many believe. Citing the critical importance of the European allies' sensitivities on the CW issue, the authors recommend continued improvement in NATO's defensive CW stance, a low-key upgrading of the US chemical arsenal followed by the replacement of older munitions deployed in Europe, and a shift in the emphasis of current means of delivery.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 20, 1983
Accession Number
ADA126039

Entities

People

  • Henry G. Gole
  • John M. Weinstein

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Warfare
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemical Weapons
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Military Budgets
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • Warfare
  • Warning Systems
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Strategic Security Studies