The United States Strategic Command: A Cold War Icon
Abstract
This study analyzes the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) in terms of its missions and structure and proposes future actions to further advance the U.S. National Strategy of engagement and enlargement through regional stability and efficient force structure. Historically, the Strategic Air Command (SAC), USSTRATCOM's predecessor, was rooted in strategic bombing theory. The bipolar Soviet Union threat caused increased reliance on nuclear weapons for deterrence and changed SAC's mission and force structure, including command and control and targeting. The Unified Command Plan (UCP) helped to reshape SAC's command structure and determine the correct mix of its military function and regional focus. Congress emphasized regional Commander in Chiefs (CINCs) roles with the passage of the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986. Now that the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact have collapsed, there has been a total refocusing of national policy and strategy. Regional actors and regional stability will ensure the protection of U.S. vital security interests. The nuclear mission is still part of a changing U.S. deterrence strategy. USSTRATCOM's mission is best managed by a regional CINC; staff functions can be accomplished elsewhere. In addition, merging USSTRATCOM with USSPACECOM will provide functional and fiscal advantages given the proper political context.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA516552
Entities
People
- W. E. Morel
Organizations
- Marine Corps War College