Radiological Dispersal Device Primer

This study will attempt to analyze the subject of RDDs from an al Qaeda terrorist's perspective. The following scenario provides the platform for the analysis: Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda's leader, issues a mission-type order to one of his lieutenants to develop a RDD attack plan on U.S. soil. The lieutenant is armed with access to the Internet and a public library. Utilizing nothing but these tools, he will learn everything he can about radiation and RDDs to include radiological source material and the biological, psychological and economic effects that may be expected with a successful attack. Additionally, he will research U.S. strategy and efforts to prevent a RDD attack and will also analyze the U.S.'s interagency response capability. He will quickly learn that New York City is leading the nation in building a RDD defense structure. Finally, he will develop an understanding of potential U.S. vulnerabilities based on U.S. strategy and prevention efforts. His goal is to develop an attack plan for bin Laden that details the type of radiation material to be used in the RDD, the method of employment and potential high value U.S. targets to strike based on identified vulnerabilities. The paper will conclude with recommendations aimed at preventing this scenario.