Preempting the Storm

Geomagnetic storms and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) have common destructive characteristics. Of the two, geomagnetic storms are inevitable and must be managed. Yet as smart technology becomes pervasive in modern society, susceptibility to both solar storms and EMP increases. Either event could quickly thrust the vulnerable nation into a consequence management scenario forcing DOD into a lead role for which it does not anticipate and for which it does not train or exercise. A whole of government (yet modest and affordable) comprehensive infrastructure hardening and policy review is imperative. In the meantime, DOD must anticipate its role if a large scale event should catch the nation off guard.