The Defense Threat Reduction Agency and Reducing the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Threat
Abstract
In the 21st Century, a unified, consistent, and comprehensive approach to reducing Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) threats is essential for maintaining U.S. national security. The U.S. Government has agencies involved in WMD security operations that are generally classified as combat (direct offensive operations against enemy forces), combat support (direct support provided to combat agencies), and combat service support (those agencies that support the overall government architecture.) The Defense Threat Reduction Agency's (DTRA) analytical capabilities and expertise ensure that the United States remains ready and able to address present and future WMD threats. This study was primarily conducted by referencing open source literature and conducting interviews of military and civilian DTRA employees working at the DTRA Headquarters at Fort Belvoir, VA. The purpose of the study is to examine DTRA's roles, missions, tasks, and interagency responsibilities in the domestic and international area of threat mitigation. The study should inform the reader about the importance of DTRA and its contributions to global WMD security operations from a threat reduction standpoint. It explores how the Agency's strategic combat support mission influences WMD security operations and relates its applicability to the U.S. Marine Corps' Antiterrorism/Force Protection operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA490604
Entities
People
- Jonathan P. Loney
Organizations
- Marine Corps University