Responding to the Threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction After September 11, 2001

摘要

This paper addresses the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction as it is understood following the events of 11 September 2001 and the anthrax attacks directed at congressional and media offices in the weeks that followed. The various types of risks are explored with emphasis on chemical agents, biological pathogens, and radiological weapons. Then, the planned governmental response is evaluated with concentration on the role of the Department of Defense and the Armed Forces with a particular focus on the Reserve Components. Based on this analysis, conclusions and recommendations are offered in the context of better ensuring that the planned response to possible employment of weapons of mass destruction is adequate to meet the threat.