MEMORANDUM FOR THE UNDER SECRETARY OF THE ARMY

SUBJECT: Transmittal of the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Tiger Team – Reserve Component Integration Plan

This plan was developed at the direction of the Deputy Secretary of Defense. It is based on using the premise that disaster relief is primarily a state mission. Given the unique nature of a WMD attack, we anticipate requests for federal assets much earlier than during typical disasters. Accordingly, we focused on the most likely tasks that DoD would be asked to support as the Federal Response Plan is implemented in support of a WMD event. With integration of the RC as our cornerstone, our work focused on the vulnerabilities from a United States’ state, territory and possession perspective.

During the mission analysis we assessed current DoD capabilities. Our analysis concluded we are insufficiently prepared to perform likely tasks which other federal agencies may request within consequence management. Additionally, there is a significant void in the response community chemical, biological and radiological assessment capability. As a result, we found it necessary to create a DoD response capability that does not exist today. These Rapid Assessment and Initial Detection Elements will assist with agent identification and appropriate hazard mitigation in the affected areas of a WMD release. Operationally, these elements will be responsible for identifying the areas to evacuate and where it is safer to remain. The elements are intended to respond under the State control and, if necessary, be available for military contingencies. We recommend fielding teams in every state. We were reminded frequently during our survey process, if the responders were not in the geographic proximity, then they were likely to be too late. This plan represents a beginning, a start point, of a larger effort that requires support of senior leadership. So too must be our overall commitment to prepare for WMD attacks. Preparing for this mission requires a multi-year effort.

Finally I would like to recognize the Team that made this integration plan possible. Lt Col Jay Steinmetz from the Forces Command Domestic Plans Branch served as the Tiger Team Chief. In that capacity, he performed superbly and represents a real DoD treasure. The core group included: Mr. William McCoy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict; COL Chuck Winn, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs; LTC Tim Madere, Office of the Under Secretary of the Army; Maj Keith McCullough, Office of Air Force National Security Emergency Preparedness; LTC Pete Aylward, Directorate of Military Support, LTC Dutch Thomas, National Guard Bureau, and MAJ Alicia Tate-Nadeau, U.S. Army Reserve Command.

Special recognition is due to Captain Todd Burton of the Army National Guard Military Support Branch, and Major Tom Welch of the U.S. Army Reserve 100th Division, whose technical contributions to the team and their agencies, truly ensured a quality final product. This Team, truly experts in their respective fields, have exceeded the standards by every measure. Their work must be regarded as "above and beyond" the call.