Modernization of FE Warren Weapon System is vital to National Security

20th Air Force is a tenant of FE Warren Air Force Base (AFB) but leads a variety of forces around the Nation with focus on the ICBMs.

The nuclear mission exists because there are a variety of adversaries across the globe who have nuclear weapons and are threats. There was a time there were 10,000 nuclear weapons in the United States and this has been reduced to 1,150 nationally. Major General Fred Stoss III is Commander of Twentieth Air Force, Air Force Global Strike Command, which includes FE Warren AFB. He spoke at the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee monthly luncheon and shared the capabilities of the nuclear triad and why it is imperative for national security.

Maj Gen Stoss explained that the Nuclear triad spans three primary force avenues; water, bomber, and ground. FE Warren AFB contributes to the ground portion of the triad with the operation of the Minuteman Missile system. This weapon system is known for being capable and reliable. To explain the strength of these weapons Maj Gen Stoss gave the comparison that the Minuteman missiles are 20 to 30 times stronger than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. This structure makes the weapons powerful because they could not take all weapons out at one time, especially when functioning as a triad.

“Nuclear weapons are for those who have ill will against their adversaries.” express General Stoss “The disbursement of these weapons and variety helps to reduce international threats.”

The structure for the Minuteman mission would require one adversary to use 1,000 well targeted weapons to take out the system just at FE Warren AFB.  However, even this would not be enough. The responsiveness of the missiles is the best of the triad, and the Minuteman would still be able to retaliate. The threat of activating the FE Warren AFB Missile Force produces enough fear to make them extremely powerful deterrents.

Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) is the modernization of the weapon system. The Minuteman will need to remain operative to 2036 through the transition to GBSD. This investment is imperative because the weapons have been utilized since the 60’s. According the Major Stoss it is more cost effective to invest in a new system than continue to patch the existing one. The new system will be able to fulfill capability gaps and further advance the Nuclear mission as it relates to National security.

Those wanting to learn more about the modernization can visit www.GBSDBound.com. 

GBSD BOUND