The Weapons of Mass Destruction Abyss: Inadequate Threat Focus, Policy & Strategy Weaknesses and Response Shortcomings

Abstract

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) in the hands of non-state actors are a major threat to U.S. security. Efforts to counter the threat are disjointed. Strategy remains overly reliant upon non-proliferation without adequately implementing possible preemtive and response alternatives. Deterrence is failing and operational capabilities to respond are hampered by bureaucratic complexity and dogmatic institutional nearsighted economics. Hence, America is vulnerable and at risk. This paper reviews the WMD threat and examines policy and strategy weaknesses. The paper then discusses U.S. response strategies and highlights current methods for establishing command and control Headquarters. Finally, it recommends an enhanced response strategy by creating a Standing Joint Task Force Headquarters to address terrorist induced WMD incident consequences.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 06, 1998
Accession Number
ADA344342

Entities

People

  • Kenneth S. Kasprisin

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Arms Control Treaties
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemical Weapons
  • Command And Control
  • Counterterrorism
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Interagency Coordination
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Organizations
  • National Governments
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Terrorism
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control