Pentagon to unveil project to improve security at military sites

The Defense Department is expected to unveil Oct. 1 a new force and installation security project designed to defend against terrorist threats, including WMD threats, according to a Pentagon statement released Thursday.

The $1 billion project, named "Guardian," will help improve security at 200 installations in the United States and abroad over the next five years, said Army Brig. Gen. Stephen Reeves, the Pentagon's program executive officer for chemical and biological defense.

When implemented, Guardian will provide military sites and their populations with improved protection against "chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats," Reeves said.

The Joint Staff is currently developing a list of installations to take part in the project, Reeves said. Approximately 185 installations in the United States and 15 overseas are expected to be involved, he said, adding that Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz will make the final selections.

In the end, "we'll provide the same levels of protection-and certainly have the same standards-for all of our installations around the world," Reeves said.