Nuclear Biological Chemical Radiological and Explosive Threat - Research Paper Example

Abstract
The level of security and prosperity that is being enjoyed by the current advanced democracies is nearly unprecedented. There are only a handful of external military threats and attacks. However, there is an emergent threat that has rendered all democracies vulnerable. These are attacks that involve weapons of mass destruction (WMD), chemical biological, radiological, explosives, and nuclear agents. As a consequence, the management of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) derived materials and capabilities is crucial in reducing the morbidity and mortality in the decade; on the contrary, the specific functions that are to be carried by the units responsible for protecting the citizens are not well articulated to the public.

Research question
The study will answer the following questions.
i. Who is primarily responsible for defending the country against the threat of CBRN attacks and weapons of mass destruction
ii. Are the security agents adequately prepared in case of a CBRN attack
iii. Do the chemical military personnel have adequate knowledge with regard to CBRN agents?
Research hypothesis
i. The chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialists are primarily responsible for defending the country against the threat of CBRN weapons and weapons of mass destruction.
ii. The chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear Specialists are not primarily responsible for defending the country against the threat of CBRN weapons and weapons of mass destruction.
iii. The security agents are adequately prepared to deal with CBRN threats and attacks.
iv. The security agents are not adequately prepared to deal with CBRN threats and attacks.

Introduction
In the wake of the 21st century, the United States is faced with a wide range of complex challenges that are related to national security. As a result, several homeland security strategies are focused on the safety and security of the citizens of America. This is attributed to the fact that there have been enormous threats to American citizens including weapons of mass destruction, the danger posed by the pursuit of nuclear weapons by violent extremists, and their proliferation to neighboring states. This vulnerability has been in existence for many years; it is considered a function of porous borders, free open societies, accessibility to weapons, and high population densities in cities.

As noted by Reddick (2010) the National Security Strategy on May 27 2010 rolled out a strategic approach for the advancing American interests including the security of the American citizens, improving the American economy, and supporting their values, as well as an international order that tackles the challenges of the 21st century with particular for focus on chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats. The paper is going to highlight the level of preparedness by the security agents if attacks are propagated from CBRN derivatives. These security agents include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Secret Service, U.S military, and other emergency responders. It will also highlight the current threat of terrorism that has evolved to use CBRN materials. Consequently, the manuscript would point out who is primarily responsible for defending the country against the threat of CBRN agents as well as weapons of mass destruction.