National Strategy and Implementation of the New Triad-Congruent or Divergent?
Abstract
The most recent Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) was published in 2001. It outlined a New Triad that included offensive strike systems (nuclear and non-nuclear), defenses (active and passive), and a defense infrastructure (providing new capabilities that quickly meet emerging threats) bound together by enhanced command, control, and intelligence systems. While the 2001 NPR represents a significant shift in traditional strategic deterrence thinking through reduced dependency on nuclear weapons, it is not clear that the current glide path for implementation of the resultant Triad in 2012 will support post-9/11 US security strategy. For example, it is unclear whether the resultant Triad will possess sufficient capabilities to meet challenges such as WMD proliferation, increased enemy use of deeply buried critical facilities, and enemy awareness of US concern for collateral damage. This project examines current national and military strategy and expected Triad capabilities. It then evaluates these capabilities in light of political, legislative, budgetary, and planning realities during the implementation period of the current NPR. This project pays particular attention to the offensive nuclear and conventional strike leg of the Triad to determine if the path for support of national security strategy is congruent or divergent.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA434643
Entities
People
- David P. Fiely
Organizations
- United States Army War College