This research provides evidence that preemptive employment of an electromagnetic pulse device by a rogue state over US pre-positioned forces could have deleterious effects on US first-strike capability, resulting in decreased US regional combat power... Read more

This research provides evidence that preemptive employment of an electromagnetic pulse device by a rogue state over US pre-positioned forces could have deleterious effects on US first-strike capability, resulting in decreased US regional combat power while degrading, delaying, and possibly deterring further US action. Additionally, it presents a series of measures for preventing, preparing for, and protecting US deployed forces against an asymmetric electromagnetic pulse (EMP) threat. While the United States remains the sole conventional military superpower in the World, potential adversaries will seek ways to counter her dominance. The preemptive use of an electromagnetic pulse weapon over pre-deployed US forces is capable of silencing, permanently degrading, or destroying sensitive electronics prevalent in modern US military hardware. Current neglect of nuclear hardening practices, acquisition of electronically sensitive commercial-off-the-shelf components for US military hardware, and the lack of a firm US EMP retaliation policy make nuclear EMP a particularly attractive weapon-of-choice. This research concludes that the potential impacts to US pre-deployed forces from a preemptive EMP attack would be unacceptable; ultimately degrading, delaying, and possibly deterring the United States from further action against the offending nation. Furthermore, the US military can no longer remain reactive to the threat of EMP attack; instead it must adopt a proactive program of prevention, protection, and policy for her military forces. Through selective shielding of tactical systems, hardness assuredness programs, organic missile defense, and a concrete policy for US response, the United States can better guarantee the survival and combat effectiveness of her deployed military. Less