Recommendation:
There is a gap in National Guard Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Civil Support Teams (CST) capability to provide real-time situational awareness and remote detection by Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This mission essential information enables Commanders to make timely life or death decisions, improves domain awareness and improves planning. The acquisition and modernization of National Guard UAS equipment and capabilities is essential for the continued risk mitigation and mission relevance in the homeland defense and consequence management arena. National Guard WMD-CSTs provide immediate response for intentional and unintentional Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) or hazardous material (HAZMAT) releases and natural or man-made disasters that result in, or could result in, catastrophic loss of life or property. Implementation of CBRN UAS with LIght Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) capabilities will result in more effective and expedient operation; while yielding data flows that are orders-of-magnitude quicker, more accurate and clearer than other mapping. CBRN UAS rapid deployment with remote sensors capable of increased standoff will enhance response forces to detect and identify chemical, radiological or nuclear threats while decreasing exposure time to hazards. WMD-CSTs are the National Guard's preeminent response for in every State and Territory, and are uniquely trained to support civil authorities during domestic CBRN events and all-hazards disaster response anywhere in the nation - these tools are a necessary evolution for the mission. In order to properly staff the Soldiers or Airmen to support this capability, we assess that adding one E-7 and one E-5 to the WMD-CST manning will be necessary. Presently, an Office of the Secretary Defense Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) study is assessing an increase of WMD-CST personnel from 22 to 26. If the CAPE study authorizes National Guard Bureau J-39's request, no additional manning will be indicated.