Critical Elements and Needs for Nuclear Weapons Maintenance: A Delphi Study
Abstract
From the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s thru 2007, the focus and attention given to the Air Force's nuclear mission noticeably declined. The nuclear readiness of organizations, personnel, policies, procedures and processes all gradually deteriorated culminating in two high profile incidents which recealed the drastic state of degradation. These incidents led to numerous high level investigations and studies, and resulted in major changes for the Air Force. While the investigations and studies following the incidents focused broadly on the entire Air Force Nuclear Enterprise, this study focused on the critical elements and needs of nuclear Munitions Squadrons. An expert panel of 54 Nuclear weapons maintenance managers from nuclear Munitions Squadrons were surveyed in a three round Delphi Study. The expert panel indentified the critical elements and needs for their units to accomplish the nuclear mission. WHile much has been done to repair the Nuclear Enterprise, this study highlights that commitment and dedication to the needs of nuclear Munitions Squadrons are still required to ensure the Air Force nuclear arsenal remains safe, secure and reliable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA562498
Entities
People
- Craig S. Bailey
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology