text: ________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 11
  TARGETS
  11-56. Probable targets for biological warfare pathogen attack are nuclear
  delivery units, airfields, logistics facilities, and C2 centers. The OPFOR may
  target biological weapons against objectives such as food supplies, water
  sources, troop concentrations, convoys, and urban and rural population cen-
  ters rather than against frontline forces. The use of biological agents against
  rear area targets can disrupt and degrade enemy mobilization plans as well
  as the subsequent conduct of war. This type of targeting can also reduce the
  likelihood that friendly forces would become infected.
  BIOLOGICAL RELEASE
  11-57. The decision to employ biological agents is a political decision made at
  the national levelby the NCA. Besides the political ramifications, the State
  recognizes a degree of danger inherent in the use of biological agents, due to
  the difficulty of controlling an epidemic caused by them.
  11-58. The prolonged incubation period makes it difficult to track down the
  initial location and circumstances of contamination. Thus, there is the possi-
  bility of plausible deniability. Even if an extraregional opponent might be
  able to trace a biological attack back to the State, it may not be able to re-
  spond in kind.
  NBC PROTECTION
  11-59. The OPFOR’s ability to protect itself against NBC weapons and to op-
  erate in contaminated environments is at least the equal of any force in the
  world, including extraregional forces. OPFOR planners readily admit that
  casualties would be considerable in any future war involving the use of NBC
  weapons. However, they believe that the timely use of active and passive
  measures can significantly reduce a combat unit’s vulnerability. These meas-
  ures include but are not limited to protective equipment, correct employment
  of reconnaissance assets, and expeditious decontamination procedures. The
  OPFOR conducts rigorous training for chemical defense.
  11-60. The OPFOR believes the best way to protect against NBC weapons is
  to destroy delivery systems, which are always high-priority targets. Other
  operational-tactical responses to the threat include
  • Dispersion: Concentrations of forces must last for as short a time as
  possible.
  • Speed of advance: If the advance generates enough momentum, this
  can make enemy targeting difficult and keep enemy systems on the
  move.
  • Camouflage, concealment, cover, and deception (C3D): C3D measures
  complicate enemy targeting.
  • Continuous contact: The enemy cannot attack with NBC weapons as
  long as there is intermingling of friendly and enemy forces.