Counter-WMD Concepts of Operations at U.S. and Allied Air Bases
Abstract
In the face of U.S. military superiority, potential adversaries have begun to turn to asymmetrical means as a way to counter that capability. Our adversaries understand that U.S.-led coalitions will dominate the battlespace, if given the opportunity to flow their forces. Likewise, adversaries may try to inflict casualties on U.S. and allied forces early in the conflict in an attempt to make the coalition lose its will to fight. Such attacks are likely to include one or more elements of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) warfare. Recent events such as the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the subsequent dispersal of anthrax-contaminated letter threats, North Korea's October 2002 declaration of the reactivation of their nuclear facilities and missile testing programs, and the threat, fortunately unrealized, of Iraqi use of chemical and biological weapons against coalition forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom, highlighted the specter of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) use and brought it to the forefront of our national security challenge as well as our national interest. Of equal concern is the availability of an extensive range of advanced weapons and technologies, dual-use production and storage facilities, and scientific/technical know how that has accelerated the proliferation of WMD capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA446158
Entities
People
- Bert A. Cline
- Charles R. Heflebower
- John P. Lawrence
- Laura J. Le Gallo
Organizations
- Air University