Chemical-biological attack

de Byron C. Hepburn, USAF Counterproliferation Center

Abstract: The very nature of the design of the Air Expeditionary Force (minimal redundancy in personnel and equipment and supported over extended distances by airlift) makes it particularly vulnerable to an asymmetric attack by chemical or biological weapons. "This paper calls for an objective and ongoing analysis of the threat and appropriate organizational response, through the creation of an Air Expeditionary Force Chemical Biological Threat Team. This multifunctional group would evaluate how the expeditionary forces are planned, organized, trained and equipped to deal with the chemical-biological threat."