If Clausewitz had SCUDS or How the Masters Would Have Fought Ballistic Missiles
Abstract
Scenario: March 2005. The National Military Command Center was on the secure line to the White House. "Mr. President," the Brigadier General in charge of the evening shift began, "we have confirmed launch of five submarine launched ballistic missiles, all tracking towards Washington." There was a burst of static as the Secret Service traded the President's desk phone for a secure portable model, as they whisked him towards Air Force One. "Are these nukes?" the President crackled into the Duty Officer's ear. "When will they hit?" "We estimate in about four minutes Sir," the Duty Officer answered over the shouts and confusion in his Operation Center, and the spin-up of rotors as the First Family lifted off. "It is our belief that each missile carries 5-10 independently targeted warheads, with a yield between five and twenty megatons." "My God," choked the President, "what does that mean for casualties?" "It is our belief, Sir," came the reply, "that casualties will be virtually 100%. If only half of those warheads hit their targets, Washington DC will cease to exist." The thesis of this paper is simply that a revolution in military affairs has occurred with the advent of ballistic missiles, and that means something quite important. With thirty nations now in the "missile club", many of whom have active nuclear, biological and/or chemical programs, national strategists need to take a hard, dispassionate, non-partisan look at what these events mean to national security, military planning, and the future of our nation. To aid us in this quest, I have enlisted the assistance of Carl Von Clausewitz, who will apply his mastery of strategy to this emerging threat.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 02, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA442700
Entities
People
- Michael P. Locke
Organizations
- National War College