The threat of biological warfare (BW) directed against our forces is greater today than at any other time in the history of modern warfare. This thesis represents the first attempt to answer the question 'What is an effective design for tactical biological defense?' Established criteria for agents of biological origin (ABOs) are analyzed for their applicability to tactical operations. Potential ABOs are evaluated for their usefulness on the tactical battlefield. Information requirements (IRs) for use in intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) are developed. Known and potential delivery means are listed. Analysis of the respiratory threat is made. Mathematical modeling of potential biological attack scenarios is used to determine BW's potential for limiting forces' freedom of action, and for developing detection requirements and vulnerability assessment tools. Candidate detection technologies are reviewed, and a battlefield detection strategy is developed. Finally, critical tasks for biological detection units are formulated.

ADA 284653 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)