LOOKING AHEAD: NEXT 20 YEARS
EVOLVING THREAT Potential adversaries continue to evolve. This requires a flexible and dynamic response from NSDD. Whether designated rogue regimes or proliferators, areas of instability, uncontrolled areas, breakaway regions NSDD dedicates specialized resources, expertise, and cooperation to mitigate these threats as quickly as possible. This approach has led NSDD to assess regional and subregional smuggling pathways, prioritize possible exploitation of commercial transportation routes, research the activities and the nature of criminal groups, and enable partners to identify and interdict illicit activities occurring in areas outside of and between official crossing points.
STRATEGIC POSTURE
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As expected, NSDD’s strategies for implementation and sustainability have matured and adapted in response to internal and external changes. How NSDD completes its mission now is not the same as implemented 20 years ago. Similarly, how NSDD addresses the risk of nuclear smuggling in the future is expected to evolve as the threat, technologies, and methodologies evolve. However, NSDD’s core strengths lie within the experience of the implementation process and framework – covering risk identification and assessment, equipment use and capabilities, deep understanding and expertise in radiation detection and associated technologies, adult learning, relationship development, and sustainment through continued engagement. NSDD, as part of its collaborative US interagency efforts to survey and monitor the current and future horizon of R/N
NSDD 20 YEARS
smuggling risks, continually seeks input and suggestions to its strategic plans. Working across the nuclear security spectrum and connecting seemingly disparate organizations, NSDD structures and validates strategies with input from a wide range of USG partners, internal and external collaborators and perhaps most importantly, validates the proof of concept through pilots, exercises and other initiatives with NSDD’s foreign partners. NSDD maintains dedicated groups that continually monitor the environment and regularly conducts strategic, programmatic and individual project reviews.
