Consequence Management - Ready or Not?
Abstract
Consequence management is a critical issue addressed in the new National Military Strategy. It tells foes of the United States that the Department of Defense (DoD) will have sufficient capability and readiness to respond to a Weapons of Mass Destruction/Effects attack. An effective consequence management strategy deters and dissuades the enemy's use of weapons of mass destruction. As DoD adopts the National Military Strategy and its consequence management approach, it must identify Weapons of Mass Destruction/Effects threats and appropriate responses. The National Military Strategy contains a consequence management strategy that meets three ends: enhanced protection for the force while fighting through a Weapons of Mass Destruction/Effects event; response to an internal DoD Weapons of Mass Destruction/Effects attack; and meeting the needs of a lead federal agency should a foreign or domestic Weapons of Mass Destruction/Effects event occur. DoD has done much to ensure it is ready for such an event, but improvements can still be made. DoD must conduct a thorough analysis to address gaps and duplications in the technical response system. This paper recommends that DoD develop Weapons of Mass Destruction/Effects performance standards for response assets; implement a consequence management readiness reporting system for technical assets; combine guidance on foreign and domestic Weapons of Mass Destruction/Effects events into one overarching consequence management document; use the Federal Emergency Response Agency model to study means gaps for assets listed in Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction 3110.16; and establish performance standards for tactical and operational consequence management response assets. (1 figure, 19 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA414688
Entities
People
- Rosalene E. Graham
Organizations
- United States Army War College