Revisions made to operational doctrine Published Feb. 14, 2007 By Lt. Col. Mary-Claire McCarthy Air Force Doctrine Center MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNEWS) -- The doctrine publication that describes the Air Force's role in countering the threat or use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons at the operational level of war was revised recently. Maj. Gen. Allen Peck, commander of the Air Force Doctrine Center, approved the revision and release of AFDD 2-1.8, Counter-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Operations (C-CBRN) in late January . "AFDD 2-1.8 provides excellent and timely guidance for understanding, planning and executing counter-chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear operations, and will enable U.S. forces to survive and operate effectively in this deadly environment," General Peck said. The primary revisions include an expanded discussion of the set of weapons of mass destruction and provide Air Force-specific guidance for countering a CBRN attack. The concept of Air Force pillars of C-CBRN operations and their relationship to joint mission areas is introduced with separate chapters devoted to each. Finally, the term consequence management is introduced with a detailed discussion of this stage of operations. The general's foreword in the publication reads: "The threat or use of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons by hostile regimes and terrorists represents one of the most difficult challenges facing our nation and our Air Force. This challenge is further complicated by the advance of technologies used to develop and deliver these weapons, making it possible for our enemies to attack us at a time and place of their choosing, with little or no warning. Success in defending our nation, our military forces, and partners and allies depends on how effectively we apply air, space, and cyberspace power to counter this threat. Our Air Force has tremendous capability available to address this challenge." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) Click here to view the comments/letters page