Triad: A viable entity for the 1990s. Individual study project

Technical Report · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5345303

Scherbinske, H B

The triad, consisting of land based strategic bombers, land based Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, and sea based Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles, has provided the U.S. a nuclear deterrent umbrella for over 30 years. All three of the systems have been refined and updated over the years, but the basic strategy of a three legged deterrence has not been altered. Now, that the cold war has been declared over, and the USSR appears to be disintegrating as a major force, the question becomes, is the triad still required to provide for the security of the U.S. This paper first traces the beginnings and evolutions of the triad weapons, and the strategic nuclear policies the U.S. adopted to take advantage of the enhancements technology produced in the weapons. Each member of the triad is then examined separately to ascertain weaknesses and strengths. Following this individual study, the combined effects of the systems and how they compensate for weaknesses in other weapons is discussed. The conclusion reached is that the triad remains a vital part of the United States' security, and should remain in existence until such time that total world peace can be assured.

• Research Organization: Army War Coll., Carlisle Barracks, PA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5345303
• Report Number(s): AD-A-236815/7/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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