Equipping Reserve Early Consequence Management Response Forces with State-Of-The-Art/Off-The-Shelf Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) Detection Equipment

摘要

The consequence management of a NBC Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) attack is a vital interest in our National Security Strategy. Mitigating the loss of human lives is the primary mission of Local, State and Federal emergency management agencies. Rapid detection and identification, of what Nuclear, Biological, or Chemical (NBC) agents are present at a disaster site, is the mission of reserve detection and reconnaissance teams. Equipping these teams with state-of-the-art/off-the-shelf detection technological advanced systems is critical. Emergency responders must know what NBC agent they are dealing with or they may become casualties themselves. The current procurement process does not guarantee these reserve teams will be equipped with the latest technology advancements allowing them to quickly detect and identify NBC agents. Similar active duty special operations detection and reconnaissance teams have a dedicated program manager and separate funding channels that allow them to take advantage of technological detection advances. Quick identification of what NBC agents are present, at a WMD site, is critical. A move towards the streamlined procurement process, currently in place for special operations forces, should be adopted for active and reserve force detection and reconnaissance teams.