Organizational and Cultural Erosion of the ICBM Nuclear Enterprise
Abstract
Two recent events were catalysts in reenergizing and refocusing the Air Force (AF) on a new "number one priority." In 2006, classified nuclear components were mislabeled and shipped to Taiwan and in 2007 six nuclear weapons were mistakenly flown from Minot AF Base (AFB), North Dakota to Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. In conjunction with many investigations and task forces, the "reinvigoration" of the nuclear enterprise has started down a path of course corrections. While the nuclear enterprise is considered the sum total of United States AF nuclear operations, logistics, support, and sustainment, this paper focuses on the course corrections needed to address Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) organizational and cultural degradations since the demise of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). By reviewing the environments and issues during SAC and AF Space Command (AFSPC) periods, recommendations are offered to reinvigorate the ICBM nuclear enterprise. Cultural degradations have over time eroded the nuclear enterprise. Significant resources, time, and sustained leadership will be required for an extended period to rebuild lost strengths. In the 2009 United States (US) AF Posture Statement, the Secretary of the AF (SECAF) and the Chief of Staff of the AF (CSAF) placed nuclear deterrence operations as the AFs first priority. With the top AF leaders support, effort must now be taken to correct the current course of the ICBM organization and associated culture. While a daunting task, other accidents offer lessons that organization and culture cannot be ignored.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 2010
- Accession Number
- AD1018563
Entities
People
- Angela G. Stout
Organizations
- Air War College