Weapons of Mass Destruction Training: Preparing U.S. Embassy and State Department Personnel to React

The bombing of two U.S. embassies in East Africa in 1998 led to a thorough review of Department of State security programs. Included in this review was a growing realization that future terrorist threats may include chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials. In response to this threat, the Department began a proactive approach toward combating it. The Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Countermeasures Program, under the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, was established in 1999. The 9/11 attacks and the anthrax letters in the fall of 2001 brought the WMD program into the forefront of the Department’s efforts to counter the growing CBRN threat.

The first WMD countermeasures training at an overseas diplomatic mission was provided in February 2000. Since that time, the program has grown from a staff of 4 to a staff of more than 20. All diplomatic missions have since received first-responder training and equipment, which has enabled them to establish teams that will assist in responding to an emergency. In addition, all other personnel falling under the authority of chiefs of mission are receiving training which enables people to survive and escape from a contaminated environment. This includes foreign personnel working at the mission. Protective masks and other equipment are being provided to mission personnel. To date, in excess of 65,000 escape masks have been provided. Periodically, diplomatic posts receive updated training.

Personnel preparing to embark on an overseas assignment receive training at the Foreign Service Institute and the Diplomatic Security Training Center.

In the United States, the WMD program has initiated protective-mask training for employees assigned to State Department facilities.

The WMD program continues to evaluate new technologies and equipment with the ultimate goal of providing the highest protection possible for employees.