What is an example of the Defense Support to Civil Authorities Core Task involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents?

The selection of terrorist incidents as an example of the Defense Support to Civil Authorities Core Task involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents is accurate because terrorist acts often involve the deliberate release of hazardous materials that can result in significant threats to public safety and national security. Such incidents can directly necessitate federal support to state and local authorities, particularly in scenarios where the magnitude of the attack surpasses local response capabilities. The federal government, through agencies like the Department of Defense and various homeland security entities, plays a critical role in providing specialized resources, expertise, and support to manage the consequences of such CBRN threats.

In contrast, while natural disasters, civil unrest, and public health emergencies can also require defense support, they do not specifically focus on the context of CBRN incidents. Natural disasters primarily relate to weather-related events, civil unrest typically centers on social issues and crowd management, and public health emergencies are often associated with infectious diseases rather than man-made toxic releases. Therefore, the unique nature of terrorist incidents, particularly those involving CBRN elements, makes them a clear fit for this core task.