has taken place at sometime in the past; however, the present time is the
most positive. A long time may be pass before significant information is
obtained. It is limited as a source of information upon which prompt
defensive measures can be based.
When a large number of cases of a
disease suddenly appear within an area, an investigation is conducted to
determine the cause. If all natural causes for the outbreak can be ruled
out, an assumption can be made that a biological attack has occurred.
Initial biological attacks would probably be detected by epidemiological
findings of the Army or Air Force Medical Service.
PART C - DEFENSIVE MEASURES AGAINST BIOLOGICAL AGENTS
Defense against a biological attack must consist of preventive measures
first, and then measures to combat agent effects on personnel, if an
attack should occur. These measures are:
▀
Active defense measures.
▀
Passive defense measures.
1.
Active Defense Measures.
Active defense measures to prevent attack are destroy the
enemy's
biological facilities and intercept the enemy's weapons systems.
a. Destroy the Enemy's Biological Facilities.
By locating and damaging or destroying the enemy's research and
development facilities, laboratories, manufacturing plants, stock piles,
and launching sites, their capability for attack can be reduced. This is
an important active defense measure that will be utilized to its fullest
extent, but will not be completely effective. Biological agents can be
produced in relatively small installations that are easily hidden and
dispersed targets.
b. Intercept the Enemy's Weapons Systems.
By destroying or disrupting the enemy's attacks, their operational
effectiveness can be reduced. This measure will be implemented to the
fullest extent, but experience has proven that some weapons systems will
reach the target and effectively deliver their munitions.
2.
Passive Defense Measures.
The purpose of passive defense is to reduce or minimize casualties
resulting from a successful biological attack.
The measures used are
based on public health practices that have proved valuable in control of
natural outbreaks of disease. These measures are not
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