The Defense Reform Initiative includes efforts to re-align the Department of Defense to meet more effectively the evolving threats to the United States, threats quite different than those of the past. Among those of greatest concern is that posed by the production, proliferation and use of weapons of mass destruction – chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.

In November 1997, the Department’s efforts to address this threat were divided among three separate agencies and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, an approach ill-suited to today’s world.

As part of the DRI, Secretary Cohen directed the creation of a single organization to carry out programs designed to address proliferation and counter threats posed by weapons of mass destruction. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency or DTRA became operational in October 1998.

Reporting to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology, DTRA consolidates and transforms the efforts of the On-Site Inspection Agency, the Defense Special Weapons Agency, the Defense Technology Security Administration and some missions and responsibilities of the Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs.

A Threat Reduction Advisory Committee of distinguished outside scientists, executives and former government leaders is already advising and assisting the DTRA on a wide range of matters.

DTRA is now the cornerstone of the DoD’s efforts to confront and control weapons of mass destruction.