Mortuary Affairs - Is USNORTHCOM and the Department of Homeland Security Positioned for Contaminated Mass Fatality Management

摘要

The Global War on Terrorism has emphasized homeland defense and security as a priority for the Nation. The United States Northern command (USNORTHCOM) recently attained its initial operational capability as the Department of Defense executive agent for Homeland Defense. Terrorists have demonstrated the ability and willingness to obtain and use Weapons of Mass Destruction to further their goals. An unfortunate reality of the use of such weapons is the creation of contaminated remains. The recovery, identification, and disposition of such remains, including their decontamination, falls within the scope of Mortuary Affairs. This is a hugely sensitive issue. As USNORTHCOM and the Department of Homeland Security grapple with their transition to lead Homeland Defense and Homeland Security agencies, a seam in policy and capabilities may exist. USNORTHCOM's ability to provide support to meet surge requirements for decontaminating and processing human remains is not articulated or properly sourced. This paper looks at the threat posed within the Nation's borders that requires a synchronized response by USNORTHCOM and the Department of Homeland Security. Policies, directives, and programs that highlight current government capability to handle domestic contaminated mortuary affairs incidents and potential seams are identified, and recommendations for potential policy, training requirements, and force structure are discussed. (28 refs.).