An Examination of the Utility of the First Use of Tactical Nuclear Weapons in the Defense of Western Europe.
Abstract
The project reexamined the utility of NATO's first use of tactical nuclear weapons in view of changing political and military alliances; the nuclear dilemmas associated with deterrence, forward defense, and linkage to strategic weapons; and increased Soviet capabilities. NATO doctrine concerning nuclear weapons is being reevaluated within the individual member countries, the academic community, military institutions, and NATO itself. The differing points of view were researched from printed materials and through personal interviews in an effort to arrive at an independent conclusion regarding the utility of a first use policy, and the most feasibile course for NATO's nuclear doctrine over the next decade. Political factors were considered to govern, with other factors such as military, economic, and technology playing major roles. It was concluded that there is utility in a first use policy, but that a more comprehensive NATO doctrine is needed which would provide a wider spectrum of options and better integrated force capabilities. These would include first use nuclear options, punitive strategy options, and an integration of conventional forces, new technology weapons, and nuclear capabilities, and would include the first use of nuclear weapons if necessary. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 06, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA014177
Entities
People
- C. Powell Hutton
- James M. Davis Jr.
- Joseph F. Vincent
- Richard W. Wilmot
Organizations
- United States Army War College