Electromagnetic Pulse Threats to U.S. Expeditionary Operations in 2010
Abstract
U.S. military forces depend on electronic systems and information dominance to produce overwhelming combat power. Indeed, defense leaders are calling for the development of a network-centric force to rapidly deploy and conduct decisive operations in the future security environment. Unfortunately, the information revolution embraced by the military has a dark side -- it introduces a potentially catastrophic vulnerability. Electronics, the foundation of the network-centric force, are extremely vulnerable to a rapidly proliferating class of arms: electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons. EMP weapons come in many forms and levels of sophistication. Some EMP weapons can be built from readily available parts for a few hundred dollars, some require extensive technological expertise and research facilities, but the most effective EMP weapons require both the capability to build a nuclear device and the ability to launch it with a missile. While recent literature has proclaimed that the sky is falling with regard to U.S. vulnerability to EMP, the truth is that not all EMP weapons produce catastrophic effects on all systems. The goal of this paper is to classify near-term EMP threats to U.S. expeditionary operations in terms of their probability of use, lethal range, the systems they affect, and their potential users to identify high-payoff protective measures. In conclusion, the author presents cost-effective solutions to address the most likely and most dangerous threats.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA476271
Entities
People
- Colin R. Miller
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College