This requires an agreement and an interoperable communications network. Active defense means intercepting and destroying missiles. Today, that means the Patriot missile system. The Saudis and Kuwaitis have the system and the Egyptians have budgeted to buy the system. We re beginning to look at how we integrate that with our forces, the official said.
Passive defense includes doctrine, protective gear and medical stockpiles.
It also entails making sure the armed forces are prepared to work in a contaminated environment, and determining how a contaminated environment would be cleaned up. The medical piece is already under way. U.S. and regional medical experts have met to discuss the problems associated with an attack by a weapon of mass destruction. This covers such things as recognizing when you ve been attacked by a biological weapon and containing the problem so it doesn't inadvertently spread. Consequence management happens once a weapon explodes or an accident occurs.