MAINTAINING STRATEGIC DETERRENCE AND STABILITY AT REDUCED NUCLEAR FORCE LEVELS
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Nuclear Posture Review Report
The NPR reaffirmed the current practice of “open-ocean targeting” of all ICBMs and SLBMs so
that, in the highly unlikely event of an accidental launch, the missile would land in the open
ocean. The United States will ask Russia to reaffirm its commitment to continue this practice,
which was mutually agreed in 1994.
The NPR considered the possibility of
reducing alert rates for ICBMs and at-sea
rates of SSBNs, and concluded that such
steps could reduce crisis stability by giving
an adversary the incentive to attack before
“re-alerting” was complete. At the same
time, the NPR concluded that returning
heavy bombers to full-time nuclear alert was
not necessary, assuming the other two Triad
legs retained a significant alert rate.
Looking to the longer term, the NPR
initiated studies that may lead to future
reductions in alert posture. For example, in
an initial study of possible follow-on systems
to the Minuteman III ICBM force, the Department of Defense will explore whether new modes
of basing may ensure the survivability of this leg of the Triad while eliminating or reducing
incentives for prompt launch.
Additionally, the NPR examined the effectiveness of our command and control of U.S. nuclear
forces as an essential element in ensuring crisis stability, deterrence, and the safety, security and
effectiveness of our nuclear stockpile. The DoD NC3 system enables informed and timely
decisions by the President, the sole authority for nuclear employment, and execution of
Presidential nuclear response options.
The Secretary of Defense has directed a number of initiatives to further improve the resiliency of
the NC3 system and the capabilities for the fully deliberative control of the force in time of crisis.
The Department of Defense has taken steps to strengthen NC3 in the FY 2011 budget request,
including modernizing “legacy” single-purpose NC3 capabilities to meet current and projected
challenges, and continuing to invest in secure voice conferences for NC3. An interagency study is
being initiated to determine the investment needed and the organizational structure best suited
to further strengthen the NC3 capabilities. This study, led by DoD, will begin in 2010 and
provide a long-term strategy that will inform out-year budget submission to Congress.
The NPR concluded that the United States will:
Capt. Jeremy Ritter, 490th Missile Squadron (MS) flight
commander (right), and 1st Lt. William Springer, 490th MS
ICBM combat crew deputy commander (left), are "strapped
in" and coordinating with the other launch crews to turn keys
to launch their missiles during a simulation in the Missile
Procedure Trainer. Crews "strap in" to prevent being thrown
around the capsule in the event that they are attacked. U.S.
ir Force photo by John Turner.