Domestic Preparedness: U.S. Responses Need Tuning

• NCJ Number: 189448
• Author(s): H. Allen Holmes
• Date Published: 1998
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; US Dept of Defense
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Presentation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: From Defense Issues, V 13, No. 33; downloaded July 26, 2001

Annotation

This document examines the role of the Department of Defense in the Federal response to domestic terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

Abstract

The Presidential Decision Directive 39 (PDD-39) seeks to integrate the roles of all pertinent Federal agencies into a comprehensive, proactive program to prevent and punish terrorist acts. This program will do everything possible to deter and prevent terrorist attacks; will respond quickly and decisively when acts of terrorism do occur; and will not make concessions to terrorists. In addition, it will give the highest priority to developing effective capabilities to detect, prevent, defeat, and manage the consequences of nuclear, biological, or chemical materials weapons used by terrorists. Within the Department of Defense, the Combating Terrorism Program divides combating terrorism into three components: anti-terrorism, counterterrorism, and domestic preparedness. Anti-terrorism means the defensive measures employed to protect personnel and facilities against a terrorist incident. Counterterrorism refers to our offensive response measures to deter, resolve, and mitigate a terrorist act. Domestic preparedness includes a range of consequence management activities required to provide emergency assistance to alleviate damage, loss, hardship or suffering cause by WMD terrorism attacks and to protect the public health and safety and restore essential government services. The Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996 mandates that the United States enhance its capability to respond to domestic terrorist incidents involving nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological weapons. The National Guard and other reserve components will play a prominent role in supporting local and State governments in consequence management. A strategic plan was developed and training provided to over 5,500 first responder trainers in 18 cities so far. Other accomplishments include a helpline and hotline to provide access to expert assistance in the event of a chemical or biological emergency.