Chemical and Biological Defense

Emphasis Remains Insufficient to Resolve Continuing Problems Gao ID: T-NSIAD-96-154 May 1, 1996

U.S. troops remain highly vulnerable to attack from biological and chemical agents because the Defense Department (DOD) has yet to address many shortcomings identified during the Persian Gulf War, including inadequate training, a lack of decontamination kits and other equipment, and a shortage of vaccine stocks. DOD has spent less than one percent of its budget on chemical and biological warfare defense, and during 1992-1995, funding in real terms fell by 30 percent. Problems in chemical and biological defense are likely to continue unless DOD designates this area a higher priority.



The Justia Government Accountability Office site republishes public reports retrieved from the U.S. GAO These reports should not be considered official, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Justia.