The U.S. Department of Defense Must Continue Countering a Growing Global Biological Threat Environment
.
By David F. Lasseter
April 24, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the often-quoted adage that biological threats do not respect national borders. An infectious disease threat anywhere is a threat everywhere. Over a year into the pandemic, we have all seen first-hand the significant toll that COVID-19 has had on our global society's economic and social structures, including its impact on militaries and defense departments around the world. Presently, and historically, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has maintained comprehensive capabilities to counter global biological threats. These capabilities must continue and improve as technology advances and as threats persist and evolve.
DoD, along with numerous United States Government Departments and Agencies, monitors all Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) threats. The DoD biological threat reduction mission is extensive and complex. Expertise is required from across the Department’s components to ensure the effective development, integration, and implementation of guidance, analysis, capabilities, and activities. This vast enterprise works collaboratively and efficiently to prevent the accidental or deliberate release of harmful pathogens, detect and diagnose naturally occurring outbreaks of security concern quickly, and respond to and contain outbreaks.
https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/04/24/the_us_department_of_defense_must_continue_countering_a_growing_global_biological_threat_environment_774257.html
