Study by the Joint Advanced Study Committee on Biological Warfare

Study by the Joint Advanced Study Committee on Biological Warfare

The Joint Advanced Study Committee consulted various technical studies on BW to assess military utility.

1951

Biological warfare has great potential in future warfare and national security demands that the US acquire a strong offensive capability without regard for precedent. Large scale field tests should be conducted. Biological warfare simplifies postwar economic rehabilitation as it does not destroy structures. The goal should be low production costs so that it may be maintained for a long time and not compete with the procurement of our current weapons systems. The adoption of a positive military policy towards biological weapons will stimulate interest in the field and accelerate development. In 1952, the Joint Chiefs of Staff responded by adopting a position favoring a strong offensive BW capability without delay.