NUCLEAR MATTERS HANDBOOK 2020 [Revised]: THE NUCLEAR WEAPONS HANDBOOK

Kindle Version NUCLEAR MATTERS HANDBOOK 2020 [Revised] This revised 2020 Nuclear Matters Handbook provides an overview of the U.S. nuclear deterrent and a basic understanding of nuclear matters and related topics. This overview is intended for anyone seeking an introduction to nuclear weapons and for those who need a more detailed understanding to perform their professional functions. Each chapter in the handbook features a unique aspect of the nuclear deterrent and is designed to stand alone in providing information specific to the topics addressed. There are many interdependencies among the elements of the nuclear deterrent, the authorities under which it operates, and the many organizations that make up the DoD Nuclear Enterprise and the NNSA Nuclear Security Enterprise as well as other U.S. government agencies and international partners that contribute to the U.S. nuclear deterrent. This handbook makes those connections where feasible, but should be considered a reference document rather than a cohesive narrative. The content of this unofficial handbook is the sole responsibility of the office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Matters. Please refer to the applicable statute, regulation, Department of Defense directives and instructions, or Department of Energy orders for definitive guidance in all areas related to U.S. nuclear weapons. This handbook is neither authoritative nor directive, although every effort has been made to ensure that it is accurate and comprehensive. “Our nuclear deterrent is nearing a crossroads. To date, we have preserved this deterrent by extending the lifespan of legacy nuclear forces and infrastructure—in many cases for decades beyond what was originally intended. But these systems will not remain viable indefinitely. In fact, we are now at a point where we must concurrently modernize the entire nuclear triad and the infrastructure that enables its effectiveness.” - General Paul Selva, USAF (Ret.), Former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Nuclear deterrence is the bedrock of U.S. national security, serving as the backstop and foundation of U.S. national defense, the defense of U.S. allies since 1945, and underwrites every U.S. military operation. The U.S. nuclear deterrent is comprised of nuclear weapons and delivery systems, nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3), and the people and infrastructure that support it all. While U.S. nuclear weapons have not been employed since World War II, the United States uses its nuclear deterrent every day to maintain peace around the globe. The nuclear age began with the use of the atomic bomb in 1945, followed by a nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union, and culminated with the last U.S. nuclear explosive test in 1992 after the end of the Cold War. In the post-Cold War era, the focus shifted to sustainment of nuclear deterrent systems in the absence of underground nuclear testing. The year 2010 marked a shift in nuclear posture for the United States, with the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) reducing the role of the nuclear deterrent in U.S. national security strategy citing a less dangerous security environment. However, the security environment did not improve, but rather grew more competitive over the next ten years. The 2018 NPR highlighted the resurgence of Russia and the rise of China as strategic competitors and potential adversaries. In recognition of these threats, the 2018 NPR stressed the need for the modernization of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. This eye-opening document is the definitive account of the United States Nuclear Deterrent plans that is available without a security clearance. A library must-have. View Less