Many cities, states, and other federal agencies simply do not have the focus, the equipment, or the trained personnel needed in such a demanding environment. This plan addresses the DoD role within that context and the emergency management tasks that may require a DoD response. This plan develops capabilities for operational response to nuclear, biological, and chemical threats within the confines of the United States, its territories, and possessions. For the purpose of this strategic plan, WMD include any weapon or device that are intended, or have the capability, to cause death or serious bodily injury to a significant number of people through the release of toxic or poisonous chemicals or their precursors, a disease organism, or radiation or radioactivity. The threat to the US posed by WMD is characterized by several factors.
Recent events illustrate a real threat of domestic terrorism.
Today terrorists have an improved ability to collect information, raise money, and disseminate rhetoric. Advanced information technology available through the Internet allows extremists to communicate widely and efficiently. Additionally, publicly available databases serve as repositories for technical information relating to weapons production. Another important factor is that WMD, together with the materials and technology used to make them, are increasingly available. Many of these materials are widely available for legitimate commercial purposes.