U.S. and Soviet Strategic Command and Control: Implications for a Protracted Nuclear War
Abstract
This thesis will address the relative ability of the command and control systems of the United States and Soviet Union to support a protracted nuclear war. It covers the development and structure of the command and control organizations used to support the respective National Command Authorities. In discussing these organizations, the various systems supporting the command and control apparatus will also be covered. This includes the threat warning and attack assessment equipment used to determine strategic and tactical warning and the communications equipment used to alert forces of increased readiness and the conduct of nuclear strikes if required. The technical factors associated with the performance of C3 in a nuclear environment will also be covered. The result is a net assessment of the two command and control systems that highlights the strengths and weaknesses inherent in each. Recommendations to help enhance the United States' position regarding this national security issue are also developed. Keywords: Military thesis; Command and control; C2; Command control and communications; C3; Command control communications and Intelligence; C3I; Nuclear war; Nuclear conflict.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA209074
Entities
People
- Kirk S. Lippold
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School