The U.S. Army has released a new doctrinal publication that describes how the service branch plans to eliminate weapons of mass destruction, the Federation of American Scientists reported Wednesday.
The document titled “Combined Arms Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction” defines counter-WMD operations as measures taken against threat actors to impede the research, development, possession, proliferation, use and effects of WMD as well as related materials and expertise.
Conventional and special operations forces may be required to stop the movement of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials as well as WMD components and WMD-related personnel into or out of certain areas or nations, according to the document.
These forces may need to use boarding vessels and search and detection platforms to secure and seize shipments.
Counter-WMD operations are not only meant to target WMDs but also networks that produce, sponsor, fund and use such weapons, the doctrine stated.
The publication was created primarily for military and civilian agency personnel who perform or support combined arms counter-WMD efforts.
The manual is also meant to serve as a primary reference to help tactical-level commanders, staff and agencies plan, synchronize, integrate and carry out counter-WMD activities.
