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Show i!;::tcp June 10, 1999 yri(g Dim. by Col. Ben Overall j Director, ICBM As most of those that work at the Ogden Air Logistics Center are in a surge mode supporting the air campaign in Kosovo, I want to reflect on another group of warfighters that are always in a surge mode. These warfighters are the operators and main-tamein Air Force Space Command's three Space Wings that contain 500 Minuteman and 50 Peacekeeper Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). Missile launch crews run the Missile Alert Facil ities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Logistics Group works in the field to keep each of the launch facilities and alert facilities on alert con stantly no small feat given that those three wings are located at Francis E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyo., Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, Mont, and Minot AFB in Minot, N.D. Operational crews and maintenance teams dispatch year round through all kinds of weather. Think about how this compares to an Air Cam- rs nnio--n i cj TTmcp warficr1-irp- r cr arp rpnrlvj fn InnnrVi nnr tn 500 Minuteman and 50 Peacekeeper sorties within minutes if the National Command Authority decides nuclear force is necessary. While all of us hope the executive order is never given, these dedicated warfighters are always there always ready. It was these dedicated warriors and those of us egy for a New Century," 1997 won the Cold War. Given "....the change in the relative value of the ICBM that we won the Cold War, force is important and not adequately understood. some ask why we still This is the leg whose value increases the most with Vs; Iliil Willi- - 3 have d ICBMs. The fol- declining forces. The single warhead ICBM becomes some list lowing quotes highly stabilizing. of the best explanations ".....significant numbers of ICBMs denies any adverI've seen for the reasons sary the benefits of a limited attack. Without the L to keep ICBMs: ICBMs, surprise attacks against a handful of bomber "....our nuclear deter- bases and SSBN facilities, with plausible deniabil-ity- , rent posture is. one of the could drastically alter the correlation offorces. " most visible and imporRetired Gen. Larry Welch, "Defense Science tant examples of how US Board Task Force on Nuclear Deterrence Final military capabilities can Report," July 1998 be used to deter aggresThese leaders recognize that we still need a nuclear sion and coercion. Nuclear deterrent and that the relative value of ICBMs is weapons serve as a HEDGE increasing. One of today's operators, Capt. Harold Rollins of the 12th Missile Squadron of the 341st an uncertain against G tu UARANTEE a fu re, Space Wing at Malmstrom AFB, offers some valuCol. Ben Overall of our security commit able insight (see accompanying article). ments to allies, and a DISRollins discusses the continuing need for ICBMs, who to would INCENTIVE those contemplate developing plus he talks about a dedication to the mission or otherwise acquiring their own weapons. In this and a sense of teamwork within the ICBM comcontext, the United States must continue to mainmunity. Each of us in the ICBM System Program Office tain a robust triad of strategic forces sufficient to deter any hostile foreign leadership with access to share that dedication to the ICBM Mission and sense nuclear forces and to convince it that seeking a nuclear of teamwork. We are proud of our role in keeping ICBMs on alert 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every advantage would be futile." President Bill Clinton, "National Security Strat- - day of the year. : silo-base- i 12th Missile Squadron 341st Space Wing MALMSTROM AFB, Mont (AFSPCNS) OK, I admit it, I spent the first eight years of my career avoiding the missile career field. I heard nothing positive about it and a lot of negatives. But then my last squadron commander said it was inevitable, so I might as well vol- unteer. So this space captain decided to make the best of it and go into this assignment with at least an open mind and positive attitude. I did some reading on nuclear strategy, talked to some former missileers and studied intently at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. What I've learned is that the negatives are sometimes true, but greatly exaggerated, and that n there are a lot of positives. little-know- Unfortunately, the misconceptions aren't limited to people on the space side of the command. Many people in the rest of the Air Force, the general public and maybe even here in Great Falls fail to realize the significance of our mission. So let's address some of them with a new twist from what you may have heard. Misconception 1. Nuclear weapons and ICBMs in particular are passe. We've all heard our leaders dispute this with the need to maintain deterrence against the former Soviet Union, China and the emerging nuclear powers. This is very true. However, every day our - JliLA Missile mission by Capt. Harold Rollins clarified mseoncepfens weapons also give our political leadership the ability to conduct international affairs from a position of unmatched strength. When our president, secretary of state and secretary of defense come to the table to broker peace deals, negotiate a treaty or head off a potential conflict, everyone else at the table knows our leaders represent the most power- ful nation anywhere. Our nuclear weapons are an absolutely critical component of that power. Not all nations come to the table just because they think Americans are swell. Misconception 2. We don't need ICBMs when we have submarine-base- d missiles and manned recallable bomber aircraft. In fact, ICBMs offer unique advantages over the other elements of the strategic triad. ICBMs were first developed as both a cheaper and more alternative to manned alert bombers. These advantages still exist. Submarine-base- d missiles came on the sur-vivab- le scene after ICBMs, and were initially much less accurate. SLBMs are now very accurate, and definitely the most survivable element of the triad. Yet ICBMs are still much less expensive to operate and maintain. Finally, each triad element offers unique advantages in the various targeting and employment options the president has for our nuclear weapons. Misconception 3. Nuclear war is an all or nothing affair because nuclear weapons are inflexible and to make sure our weapons would be only suited to massive retaliation. used in the most accurate and humane You may not have known it, but the president has a great deal of flexibil- ways possible if necessary. Consequently every warhead on every missile plays an important part in these options. movies, many people only imagine holocaust-typ- e results from the use of any nuclear weapons. The truth is, no one knows exactly how a nuclear exchange would progress with multiple nuclear powers. Extensive research has gone into predicting such outcomes since Hiroshima, Japan. Some of the smartest minds in our country have dedicated their careers to this subject. The only certain conclusion is that the best way to prevent and counter the unpredictable nature of nuclear war is to prepare for as many scenarios as possible. In some scenarios, ICBMs provide the best chance of preventing escalation and preserving our ability to end a conflict on our terms. Former Secretary of Defense Misconception 4. The missile community is uptight and paranoid. Any mistake is met with swift and harsh punishment. ity when employing nuclear weapons. It's not necessarily an all or nothing decision. Because of the media and Robert McNamara recognized the need and funded the Minuteman III upgrade during the Johnson Admin- istration. Many of the president's options are only made possible by the flexible targeting of our ICBMs. As new targets emerge or old targets move ar ound, we constantly prepare our missiles to counter these targets should the need arise. Everyday, our element of the defense works with the reconnaissance and intelligence communities "Air Force people building the world's most respected Air and Space Force ULjLjxjlJ Quality Systems for America's Air Force Hilltop Time! Published by MorMedia, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Hill AFB. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Hilltop Times are ID that support them that ' bystem Program Office o 3 ful to find out that the missile community doesn't eat its own young. If you do make a mistake when following your technical guidance and making a sincere effort, then most of the time you are looking at some additional training and maybe a lecture. But, it's not the end of your career. I also learned how many safeguards are in place to prevent serious mistakes. Most impor- tantly, the team effort here is very refreshing. Any mistake on the job reflects on the larger team. Consequently, nearly everyone works to prevent them. This is a unique attitude not found in all other areas of the command. Finally, the dedication to the mission and integrity level here is unparalleled. So check yourself. Is your attitude and work ethic where it should be? If not, don't bring the rest of us down. Because for someone who avoided being anywhere near missiles in the first place, I now have tremendous pride in our mission and my part in it. Global Power and Reach for America. not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air. Force. The appearance of advertisements in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Air Force or MorMedia, Inc., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for l purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. 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