MAV08 1st US-ASIA MAV conference and competition

” Novel Methods in Explosives Detection: From Operations to Olfaction” R. E. Dugan, PhD CEO, RedXDefense, LLC www.redxdefense.com Contact information: 7642 Standish Place, Rockville, MD, Ph| (301) 279.7970 [email protected] This presentation focuses on a new conceptual framework as it relates to the IED threat and recent and historical areas of research in new detection technologies ranging from quadrupole resonance to systems that mimic the mammalian olfactory system. The new conceptual framework consists of an order of magnitude (factor of ten) analysis of the terrorist or insurgency problem. It provides a straightforward organizing principle against which to test possible technological, organizational, or tactical solutions as well as a means for assessing their effectiveness in execution. The “bookends” principle illustrates the difficulty of achieving success using current approaches and challenges existing investment strategies for both the military and homeland security problem. The author suggests that current approaches and investments are overly focused on finding the bomb after deployment even despite recognition that such solutions are unlikely to change the basic nature of the fight. The ”bookends” shows that in the matching between the types of weapons/means of delivery and the possible target set exists a problem of order 100 to the 100th power (a combinatorial explosion). We will always lose if we fight here. The analysis does not suggest that we do nothing to stop certain weapons or protect key targets; it does, however, suggest that the specifics of such activities be motivated to effect outcomes at the terrorist or insurgency organizational levels. The “bookends” theory highlights what most commanders and security officers know intuitively. It turns this intuitive understanding into an actionable organizing principle against which various solutions may be weighed. This conceptual framework serves as a backdrop for reviewing historical efforts in combating IEDs that have ranged from detection methods to armored vehicles. The author concludes by discussing and challenging the way forward. Dr. Dugan is an experienced professional in defense against explosive threats and counterterrorism. On these topics, she has briefed or advised such esteemed figures as the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the

MAV08 1st US-ASIA MAV conference and competition

Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, the Deputy Director of HSARPA, the Chief Scientist of the FAA, as well as the Army Science Board, the Defense Science Board, the National Research Council, among others. Widely recognized for her leadership in technology development and an experienced public speaker, she has appeared on the Discovery Channel, National Public Radio, and the AAAS Science Report and her projects have been the subject of articles in The New York Times Science Times, The New York Times Circuits, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Chemical and Engineering News and Science News. Dr. Dugan obtained her PhD in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology and her master's and bachelor's degrees from Virginia Tech. Full bio: http://www.redxdefense.com/RedX_site/RedX_Regina.htm

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