Army Chemical Review presents professional information about Chemical Corps functions related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, smoke, flame, and civil support operations.
Issue link: https://chemical.epubxp.com/i/68692
By Lieutenant Colonel John D. Shank could—and should—be done. To make the RCP more effec- tive, we need to deliberately and systematically develop a sup- porting strategic communication plan (SCP). T An SCP can help set the conditions for success and arm organizations and individuals with the information needed to help the Chemical Corps achieve its RCP objectives. Organi- zations and individuals can assist by informing key decision- makers and helping to shape decisions that affect the Corps. An important component of an effective SCP is a matrix that shows key events and explains how those events interrelate and build upon one another throughout the course of the year. The desired end state for this coordinated and synchro- nized strategic communication effort would be an improve- ment in the ability of the Chemical Corps to accomplish the RCP objectives. The RCP in Support of Guidance From Higher Levels the Chief of Staff of the Army, and the commander of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). During WKLV ¿VFDO \HDU DOO RI WKHVH SHRSOH DQG RUJDQL]DWLRQV KDYH GLV- cussed areas and efforts that the Chemical Corps can—and should—support. T 6 In the preamble to "Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st Century Defense," President Barack Obama states, "As we end today's wars and reshape our armed forces, ZH ZLOO HQVXUH WKDW RXU PLOLWDU\ LV DJLOH ÀH[LEOH DQG UHDG\ IRU he RCP and supporting SCP must be nested in support of higher-level guidance and priorities provided by the President through the Department of Defense (DOD), he formalization of the Chemical Corps Regimental Campaign Plan (RCP) has done much for our strategic progress throughout the past 2 years. However, more the full range of contingencies. In particular, we will continue to invest in the capabilities critical to future success, including . . . countering weapons of mass destruction [WMD] . . ."1 In a supporting letter, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta indicates that the DOD strategic guidance will "preserve our ability to conduct the missions we judge most important to protecting FRUH QDWLRQDO LQWHUHVWV´ DQG RQH RI WKH VSHFL¿F PLVVLRQV OLVWHG is "countering [WMD]."2 The DOD paper entitled "Sustaining U.S. Global Leader- ship: Priorities for 21st Century Defense" discusses several priorities and efforts that the Chemical Corps should support via the RCP. The paper states that "In this resource-constrained era, we will work with [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] allies to develop a 'smart defense' approach to pool, share, and specialize capabilities as needed to meet 21st century challenges."3 Countering WMD is a specialized capability that ¿WV DSSURSULDWHO\ LQ WKLV DUHD 7KH SDSHU DOVR VWDWHV WKDW ³7KH proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons technology has the potential to magnify the threats posed by regional state actors, giving them more freedom of action to challenge U.S. interests. Terrorist access to even simple nu- clear devices poses the prospect of devastating consequences for the United States. Accordingly, the [DOD] will continue to enhance its capabilities, acting with an array of domestic and foreign partners, to conduct effective operations to counter the proliferation of WMD."4 According to the section entitled "Primary Missions of the U.S. Armed Forces," the joint force will need to recalibrate its capabilities and make selective addi- tional investments to succeed in countering WMD. The paper indicates that "In partnership with other elements of the U.S. government, DOD will continue to invest in capabilities to de- tect, protect against, and respond to WMD use, should preven- tive measures fail." Army Chemical Review