Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

What are Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) intended to do?

1. Cause economic disruption

2. Intimidate through show of force only

3. Cause death or serious bodily injury

4. Promote chemical warfare

The correct answer is: Cause death or serious bodily injury

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) are specifically designed to cause significant harm to human life and can lead to mass casualties. This category includes nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, all of which have the primary objective of inflicting large-scale death and injury among populations. The capability of WMDs to indiscriminately kill or injure is what differentiates them from conventional weapons. They are characterized by their potential to inflict widespread devastation, making them a significant concern for national and global security. While other choices reference valid aspects of warfare and conflict, they do not capture the primary purpose of WMDs. For instance, economic disruption might occur as a secondary effect of a WMD attack, but it is not the intended primary outcome. Intimidation can be a tactic in broader military strategy, yet it doesn't define the specific intention behind WMDs. Similarly, promoting chemical warfare does not encapsulate the broader spectrum of WMDs, which includes nuclear and biological weapons as well. Thus, the designation of WMDs fundamentally hinges on their intent to cause death or serious bodily harm.