Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Policy

The mission of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Policy is to support the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense & Global Security by developing and overseeing the implementation of strategies and policies of all Countering-Weapons of Mass Destruction policy issues, to include preventing the proliferation of WMD and WMD-related materials; the DoD Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Program; and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) defense.

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Responsibilities include:

  • Developing policies and supporting the development of plans to enable defense against Chemical, Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats and consequence management.
  • Advancing cooperation with Allies and partners (bilaterally and multilaterally) to strengthen CBRN defense posture and capabilities.
  • Advancing multilateral WMD arms control (i.e. Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, Chemical Weapons Convention, and Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention).
  • Supporting WMD interdictions; the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI); and shaping and implementing CWMD-related elements of United Nations Security Council Resolutions, to include those focused on North Korea.
  • Leveraging the DoD’s Cooperative Threat Reduction Program and other DoD authorities, to reduce threats or build partner capacity to respond to nuclear, chemical, and biological threats (i.e. enhanced border security, the Global Health Security Agenda, and CBRN response).
  • Safeguarding national security and global mobility in the maritime environment.

Freedom of Navigation (FON)

Goals

Work with stakeholders and partners to:

  • Prevent the acquisition or use of WMD, WMD-related materials, or delivery systems;
  • Contain, reduce, and eliminate WMD threats;
  • Respond to crises involving CBRN threats to mitigate their consequences; and
  • Protect lawful uses of the seas.

Leadership

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Policy 
Richard Johnson
Richard Johnson
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