File: 970903_oct1_0017.txt
Page: 0017
Total Pages: 106

NBC Defense
*wpm

(U) B. NBC C@perations

(U) 1. Issue - NBC InteWgence

(S) a. Discussion

(S) Based on numerous intelligence and news media reports from the Iran-Iraq
war, there was never a question about the existence of the NBC threat posed by the
Iraqi rrtilicary or Saddam HusseiWs willingness to use chemical weapons. As a by-
product from the Iran-fraq war, there was a significant amount of early intelligence on
locations of Iraqi CW production capabilities, type@ pf agents, stockpile estimates,
delivery means, and potential employment tactics."By all reports, Iraq was noted to
have the most advanced chen-Lical warfare capability in the third-world.

(S)'NBC intelligence was a major operational consideration for all commanders
in the MEP. During the initial stages of Desert Shield, the conunanders' concerns
focused on the potential for an traq@ surprise invasion into Saudi Arabia, and the
development of indicators on Iraqi preparation for use of chemical weapons.

(S) In plannl-ig for the offensive, targeting of Iraqi NBC production and storag@
facilities was identified as one of the highest priorities by ANCCENT and MARCENT. 3-2
Interviews and review of I MEF intelligence messages indicate the intelligence
conunui@ty provided reliable information to support targeting of these sices.

(S) By n-dd October ist MARDIV, with provided intelligence, had assessed the
risk for its units and promulgated guidance to steer I MEP NBC defense preparation of
maneuver elements. The Ist MARD(V estimated that Iraqi forces, in any single attack,
could only mass an effective cheraical attack on approximately a company sized area.

MEP NBC intelligence reports
12'Target Precedence" in the SWA Fire Support Paper, and various news reports