Theater Missile Defense: Does the Quadrennial Defense Review Go Far Enough in Support of the Operational Commander?
Abstract
In May of 1997, the Secretary of Defense released the results of the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) establishing the Department of Defense's force structure and modernization program requirements designed to meet the challenges of the 21st century while ensuring current readiness. Included in this report were the continuation of numerous programs designed to provide a theater missile defense (TMD) system. The Gulf War demonstrated the difficulties of preventing and defending against the use of ballistic missiles launched at U.S. and allied deployed forces. Further, the continued proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and the associated delivery technologies are an increasing threat to deployed operations. These threats could effectively deter U.S. foreign policy and out of area operations in regions considered vital to national security. This paper will examine the approach of the QDR with respect to TMD programs, and ask the question, does the QDR go far enough in support of the Operational Commander? Specific recommendations are offered to demonstrate how the QDR could have more fully committed to TMD, countering the threat of WMD in regional conflicts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA349247
Entities
People
- Charles E. Baker Iii
Organizations
- Naval War College