(P1-24) Future Weapons of Mass Destruction: Preparing For Emerging Threats

Abstract

Introduction

Civilian Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) training involves preparing for threats well-known to the military since World War II. Present and future developments in Chemical-Biological (CB) research have resulted in new potential agents, modes of action, and methods of delivery. Chemical-Biological defense training should include these new agents and anticipate contact with previously unknown ones. The natural response to an unknown threat is fear and panic, out of proportion to the actual threat. Specific training in management of new pathogens and toxidromes should be incorporated into existing preparedness regimes. Leadership skills that address uncertainty and inspire constructive responses will increase resiliency.

Methods

Literature Review

Results

Recent and Future CB Agents: (1) 4^th Generation AchE inhibitors: Novichoks, Substance 33, etc.; (2) Genetically enhanced bacteria and engineered chimeric diseases; (3) Modified viral diseases: Variola, Influenza, filoviruses, flaviviruses, arenaviruses; (4) Bacteriophage induced diseases; (5) Agents targeting specific racial or genetic groups; (6) Mid-spectrum agents; (6) Bioregulators: Substance P, vasopressin, enkephalin, etc.; (7) Novel toxins: tetrodotoxin, SEB, saxitoxin, etc.; (8) Hallucinogens and incapacitants (LSD, DMT, carfentanyl, cis-fluoro-ohmefentanyl); (9) Prions and infectious nucleic acids Delivery: (1) New delivery methods: micro- and nano-robots modeled on insects (MEMS systems), microencapsulation; (2) Directed Energy Weapons Mitigation: (1) Development of systems for identifying and dealing with unknown agents and symptoms; (2) Hazard Identification, Risk Estimation, Risk Reduction Strategies, Residual Risk Evaluation and Monitoring, Mitigation and Recovery Leadership skills needed during uncertainty: Sense making, Visioning, Relating, Inventing.

Conclusions

Preparing for events without training for new and novel CB agents leaves us unprepared. Incorporating modern science with leadership skills will lessen the impact of future CB release and improve organizational resiliency. The main mistake people make is that they fear current problems more than future ones. Carl von Clausewitz Chance favors the prepared mind. Louis Pasteur.