US Air Force,
WASHINGTON: The Air Force's Blue Ribbon Review of its nuclear weapons policies and procedures has found that its nuclear mission is sound but needs strengthening.
“The review provided the Air Force an opportunity to improve its commitment to a sound nuclear enterprise,” said Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, chair of the Air Force Blue Ribbon Review. “Nuclear surety — which includes safety, security and reliability — is sound but we observed that focus on the nuclear mission has diminished since the end of the Cold War.”
The review took a comprehensive look at the Air Force nuclear enterprise from aircraft to missiles. A team of 30 Air Force officers and senior enlisted members, as well as two Navy representatives, visited more than 29 locations and interviewed more than 800 people.
The Blue Ribbon Review identified five general conclusions:
1. Nuclear surety in the Air Force is sound and the nuclear weapons inventory in the Air Force is safe, secure and reliable
2. Air Force focus on the nuclear mission has diminished since 1991, while the conventional commitment has expanded
3. The nuclear enterprise in the Air Force works despite being fragmented into a number of commands. For example, nuclear surety was determined sound for Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles under Air Force Space Command and for nuclear strike aircraft under Air Combat Command.
4. A declining amount of Air Force nuclear experience led to waning expertise in nuclear operations.
5. Air Force nuclear surety inspection programs need standardization
The review focused on five areas: leadership and relationships; mission focus and culture, history, safety and surety; training and force development; transportation, accountability, tracking, scheduling and security; and organization and resources.
“We have earned the trust of the American people over our 60-year history and it is important to recognize the Air Force takes its nuclear obligations seriously. This review highlights strengths and weaknesses in support of this mission, and is further evidence that we will continue to take measures necessary to deliver this strategic capability safely,” the general said.
The review's recommendations address all levels of activity in the Air Force nuclear enterprise from unit level through command level as well as relationships and processes outside of the Air Force. “Leadership in the Air Force's nuclear enterprise is professional and dedicated, and the focus of the strategic aspect of the nuclear mission is still sharp, but nuclear-related experience and expertise continue to decline,” said General Peyer.
“Since 1991, and the end of the Cold War, the forces assigned to operate, maintain and support the nuclear capability reduced accordingly,” said General Peyer. “Increased operational tempo from 17 years of continuous combat and operating an aging fleet and infrastructure competes for time and resources.”
According to the review recommendations, the nuclear enterprise must take advantage of more robust and standardized training and development in some areas. “In 1991, Airmen had the opportunity to practice their skill sets everyday in the aircraft mission because they were on alert. The current exposure is mostly through exercises,” said General Peyer.
Other recommendations from the review include ensuring experienced Airmen are assigned to nuclear-related billets, placing more emphasis on nuclear mission skill sets in initial and recurring training, and conducting more frequent and intense exercises.
“The Air Force has underwritten the national strategy for over 60 years by providing a credible deterrent force that dissuades opponents and reassures allies because our nuclear arm is always ready,” said General Peyer. “Throughout our history, professionalism and dedication has guaranteed the soundness and surety of Air Force crews and weapons. We continue to take every measure necessary to keep that promise.”
