Aspects of Tactical Biological Defense

Abstract

The threat of biological warfare (BW) directed against our forces is greater today than at any other time in the history of modern warfare. This thesis represents the first attempt to answer the question 'What is an effective design for tactical biological defense?' Established criteria for agents of biological origin (ABOs) are analyzed for their applicability to tactical operations. Potential ABOs are evaluated for their usefulness on the tactical battlefield. Information requirements (IRs) for use in intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) are developed. Known and potential delivery means are listed. Analysis of the respiratory threat is made. Mathematical modelling of potential biological attack scenarios is used to determine BW's potential for limiting forces' freedom of action, and for developing detection requirements and vulnerability assessment tools. Candidate detection technologies are reviewed, and a battlefield detection strategy is developed. Finally, critical tasks for biological detection units are formulated. Agents of biological origin, Agent selection criteria, History of biological warfare, Intelligence preparation of the battlefield, Hazard modeling, Detection strategies, Critical tasks for biological detection units, Biological warfare, Tactical defense.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 03, 1994
Accession Number
ADA284653

Entities

People

  • Timothy F. Moshier

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemical Warfare
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemistry
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Health Services
  • Medical Personnel
  • Viruses
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design