Nuclear command and control: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:27, 18 September 2018

Revision as of 15:35, 25 March 2019

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In the United States, leadership decisions are communicated to the nuclear forces via an intricate Nuclear Command and Control System (NCCS). The NCCS provides the [[President of the United States]] with the means to authorize the use of nuclear weapons in a crisis and to prevent unauthorized or accidental use. It is an essential element to ensure crisis stability, deter attack against the United States and its allies, and maintain the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. Nuclear Command and Control and Communications (NC3), is managed by the Military Departments, nuclear force commanders, and the defense agencies. NCCS facilities include the fixed [[National Military Command Center]] (NMCC), the Global Operation Center (GOC), the airborne [[Boeing E-4|E-4B]] National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC), and the [[Boeing E-6 Mercury|E-6B]] Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO)/Airborne Command Post [[Operation_Looking_Glass|(Looking Glass)]]<ref>Lloyd, A. T. (2000). A Cold War legacy: A tribute to Strategic Air Command, 1946-1992. Missoula, MT: Pictorial Histories Pub. p.290</ref>

Decisions on the employment of nuclear weapons can be made only by the [[National Command Authority]] (NCA), which consists of the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense, acting in concert.

==Other countries==