Thesis Abstracts 2003
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An assessment of the Canadian Forces' capability to manage the consequences of the domestic use of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons of mass destruction
By: Wayne Langsdale Pickering, BEng
Supervisors: Dr. William Andrews, Dr. William Hurley & Dr. Jim Finan
Abstract
In view of the threat to Canadian domestic targets presented by the asymmetric use of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) weapons of mass destruction (WMD), this thesis examines whether the Canadian Forces (CF) has capability deficiencies in managing the consequences of such an attack.
Research included an examination on the post Cold War strategic environment, the state of the art in CBRN technology, current concepts and experience in managing the consequences of major disasters and responsibilities at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government. The methodology used included scenario based planning to develop circumstances where WMD might be used domestically, and decomposition to break down the scenarios into events and potential CF roles and tasks. The current CF structure was used to determine the probable CF response, which included the ability of CF units to perform the required tasks, the CF response time and the ability of the CF to sustain the operation.
The evaluation determined that the CF is not capable of dealing effectively with the consequences of a major domestic WMD event. The analysis identified those deficiencies that, if rectified, would make the greatest difference in CF capability. These included properly equipping the CF for CBRN reconnaissance, surveillance and decontamination, enhancing the CF medical support system, developing an urban rescue capability, developing a mortuary assistance capability, reducing strategic and local response times by improvements to air transport, maintaining the army’s general purpose capability and strengthening the reserves.
