Air Force Scientist and Engineer Roles in Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction

The threat of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is a real threat to the United States homeland, our deployed forces, and our allies. Science and technology (S and T) will play a key role in helping defeat this threat. This paper discusses the current and potential roles of Air Force chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) scientists and engineers (S and Es) in combating WMD. Specifically, it will analyze key strategic documents for linkages requiring CBRN S and Es. Further, the paper reviews current Joint and Air Force doctrine for the capabilities of this group and briefly discusses where the Air Force employs these personnel. Following this review, I address developmental education requirements for CBRN S and Es and discuss how current Air Force initiatives for force development provide a unique opportunity for transformation of this group to better combat WMD while meeting the objectives of DOD transformation. The paper makes two key recommendations. First, the Air Force should develop doctrine specific to science and technology (S and T), linking it to our operations to better integrate of our myriad capabilities. Secondly, the Air Force should consider restructuring its officer S and E career fields to allow for a "technical-operations" specialist focused on providing transformational capabilities to the warfighter.