Legal Definitions - Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is a specialized organization within the U.S. Department of Defense. Its primary mission is to safeguard the United States and its allies by reducing the danger posed by weapons of mass destruction (WMD), which include nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, as well as advanced conventional threats. DTRA works to prevent the proliferation of these weapons, protect against their use, and prepare for effective responses should an devastating attack occur.

• Example 1: Following a period of political instability in a foreign country, there is concern that a former research facility containing highly dangerous pathogens could be compromised. The DTRA would likely deploy experts to assess the site, secure the hazardous materials, and work with international partners to ensure the pathogens are safely contained or destroyed, thereby preventing their potential use in a biological attack.

• Example 2: To enhance the safety of U.S. military personnel deployed abroad, the DTRA might fund and oversee the development of advanced sensor technology capable of rapidly detecting minute traces of nerve agents or other chemical weapons in the air. This initiative directly supports their mission to defend against and reduce the risk of chemical attacks by providing early warning capabilities.

• Example 3: The DTRA could collaborate with a developing nation to strengthen its capabilities in managing and securing radioactive materials used in medical or industrial applications. This partnership would involve training local personnel in best practices for storage and transport, as well as providing equipment to prevent these materials from being diverted or stolen for use in a "dirty bomb" or other radiological weapon.