Book Description

In response to a new, vigorous emphasis on WMD proliferation, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld named the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) as the lead DoD agency for integrating and synchronizing DoD efforts in combating WMD. This is an enormous challenge for STRATCOM to ensure all Combatant Commands (COCOMs) are working together effectively among themselves, interagency participants and our international partners. As more international participants are invited to join the Proliferation Security Initiative and WMD proliferators invent new methods to circumvent interdiction efforts to stop the transfer of WMD among rogue states, STRATCOM and supported COCOMs must have the doctrine, resources and proper command and control structures to deal with these challenges. Although enormous strides have been made in the area of interdiction, more emphasis must be placed on command and control and the types of expertise required in order for PSI interdiction efforts to be effective. The ability to bring military resources to bear to legally interdict a shipment of WMD will be successful only if the groundwork for doctrine, materiel and effective command and control relationships have been cultivated well in advance. This paper will provide a brief background on the PSI and provide examples of the doctrine which supports it from the national to the operational levels. Additionally, it will illustrate the types of resources required for interdiction operations and why command and control is critical for success during these operations. Finally, it will provide a recommendation for establishment of interdiction cells of expertise to allow for effective command and control of both national and international assets participating in the PSI.