Unit 06: Intro to Weapons of Mass Destruction Flashcards
All Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) are generally understood to encompass what type of weapons?
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Weapons (CBRN)
True or False:
While the NFPA definition provides valuable context some argue that small-scale use of CBRN does not necessarily constitute “Mass Destruction”
True
Fill in the blanks:
The use of CBR would undoubtedly be __________ and _______________ damaging.
Disruptive, Psychologically
Regarding chemical, biological, and radiological weapons, what determines whether or not they truly cause “mass destruction”?
The precise amount, nature, and sophistication of specific attacks.
What are some of the implications of the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction? (6)
Mass Casualty
Degraded response capability
Contamination
Economic damage
Psychological impacts
Political change
Fill in the blanks:
The ___________ behind and ____________ required for the use of a nuclear weapon considered a “ ___ probability, ____ consequence” event, are wildly different than an attack employing toxic chemicals.
Motivations, Capabilities, Low, High
The basic requirements for a successful Weapons of Mass Destruction/CBRN attack are contingent on four considerations, what are they?
Acquisition, Weaponization, Delivery, Motivation
It is important to note the differences between State and non-State actor WMD programs, what are they?
Countries rarely invest in the production of a CBRN agent without simultaneously developing an effective means of delivery
Effective delivery often presents significant challenges for non-State actors
Generally speaking, what is required when the attack being sought is more deadly?
More money, resources, and expertise
What is often the missing key detail?
Expertise
What makes a WMD attack no easy task?
The requirements for acquisition, weaponization, and efficient and effective delivery capability
