National Missile Defense - A Post 9/11 Imperative

Abstract

Abstract : The events of September 11, 2001 (9/11) significantly altered the American people's perspective regarding all aspects of a homeland defense strategy. The outcome of this tragic attack demonstrated that the rules have changed and that our adversaries have the will and capability to strike American interests within our borders. Perhaps more relevant, it also exposed that if existing homeland defense vulnerabilities are not appropriately addressed, they will eventually be exploited. The purpose of this paper is to explore the future of National Missile Defense (NMD) as a post 9/11 imperative to a comprehensive homeland defense strategy. It will initially examine NMD policy objectives and its implications to the strategic environment. Examination of the current and future missile threat is offered next, followed by presentation of the Bush administration's layered NMD employment concept and future development strategy. A feasibility assessment of the Bush administration's NMD concept is then considered based on the factors of cost and technological readiness. The author will contend that if it is the fundamental responsibility of our government to provide for the defense of its people, then the decision to withdraw from the Anti-ballistic Missile (ABM) treaty and proactively pursue progressive deployment of a less restricted NMD capability represents coherent and warranted policy. Delaying implementation invites the future exploitation of existing missile defense vulnerabilities. However, our nation must concurrently contend with other clear and present dangers, suggesting prudent limitations to initial NMD options. Complex homeland defense challenges, including the emergence of new and innovative asymmetric threats, will continue to dictate future assessment of our NMD posture.