Technology assessment of the inspection Readiness Plan in Chemical Weapons Convention challenge inspections

Abstract

This thesis identifies current Information Technology initiatives to help improve the Navy's Inspection Plan for Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) challenge Inspections. The CWC is an intrusive inspection. The Challenge Inspection allows for a team of international inspectors to inspect on very short notice a naval facility suspected of violating the CWC. This thesis begins with a review of the CWC Challenge Inspection timeline. It then describes the Navy's Inspection Readiness Plan for CWC Challenge Inspections as well as the Navy Tiger Team that is sent to naval facilities to assist the Commanding Officer and base personnel during inspections. One of the initiatives evaluated by this analysis is the use of current information technology. To ascertain the feasibility of using current information technology in the CWC Challenge Inspection process, this thesis reviews Tiger Team inspection equipment, conducts interviews with Tiger Team personnel, and assesses of the latest commercial information technology. This thesis concludes with recommendations of commercial information technology products for inclusion into the CWC Challenge Inspection process.