Sec. 1636. Findings and statement of policy on the nuclear triad
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Congress finds the following: The April 2010 Nuclear Posture Review stated— After considering a wide range of possible options for the U.S. strategic nuclear posture, including some that involved eliminating a leg of the Triad, the NPR concluded that for planned reductions under New START, the United States should retain a smaller Triad of SLBMs [submarine launched ballistic missiles], ICBMs [intercontinental ballistic missiles], and heavy bombers. Retaining all three Triad legs will best maintain strategic stability at reasonable cost, while hedging against potential technical problems or vulnerabilities. ;
ICBMs provide significant advantages to the U.S. nuclear force posture, including extremely secure command and control, high readiness rates, and relatively low operating costs. ; a survivable U.S. response force requires continuous at-sea deployments of SSBNs [ballistic missile submarines] in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the ability to surge additional submarines in crisis. ; and nuclear-capable bombers— [provide] a rapid and effective hedge against technical challenges with another leg of the Triad, as well as geopolitical uncertainties ; and are important to extended deterrence of potential attacks on U.S. allies and partners. .
In a letter to the Senate on February 2, 2011, regarding the New START Treaty, President Obama stated that I intend to modernize or replace the triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems: a heavy bomber and air- launched cruise missile, an ICBM, and a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine
(SSBN)and SLBM. . In the Resolution Of Advice And Consent To Ratification of the New START Treaty, the Senate stated that it is the sense of the Senate that United States deterrence and flexibility is assured by a robust triad of strategic delivery vehicles. To this end, the United States is committed to accomplishing the modernization and replacement of its strategic nuclear delivery vehicles, and to ensuring the continued flexibility of United States conventional and nuclear delivery systems. . On June 19, 2013, the Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, stated, First, the U.S. will maintain a ready and credible deterrent. Second, we will retain a triad of bombers, ICBMs, and ballistic missile submarines. Third, we will make sure that our nuclear weapons remain safe, secure, ready and effective. . Section 1062 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 ( Public Law 113–66 ; 10 U.S.C. 495 note) states that— It is the policy of the United States to modernize or replace the triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems ; and Congress supports the modernization or replacement of the triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems consisting of a heavy bomber and air-launched cruise missile, an intercontinental ballistic missile, and a ballistic missile submarine and submarine launched ballistic missile . On March 6, 2014, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, testified to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives that the Joint Chiefs of Staff have determined that our recommendation is to remain firmly committed to the triad, the three legs of the nuclear capability, and that any further reduction should be done only through negotiations, not unilaterally, and that we should commit to modernizing the stockpile while we have it. . On April 2, 2014, the Commander of United States Strategic Command, Admiral Cecil Haney, testified to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives that First and foremost, I think it is important that we as a country realize just how important and foundational our strategic deterrent is today for us and well into the future. As you have mentioned, there is a need for modernization in a variety of areas. When you look at the credible strategic deterrent we have today, that includes everything from the indications and warning, to the command and control and communication structure that goes all the way from the President down to the units, and to what frequently we talk about as the triad involving the intercontinental ballistic missiles, the submarines, and the bombers—each providing its unique aspect of deterrence. . In the June 2013 Report on Nuclear Employment Strategy of the United States required by section 491 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense, on behalf of the President, stated that the United States will maintain a nuclear Triad, consisting of ICBMs, SLBMs, and nuclear-capable heavy bombers. Retaining all three Triad legs will best maintain strategic stability at reasonable cost, while hedging against potential technical problems or vulnerabilities. These forces should be operated on a day-to-day basis in a manner that maintains strategic stability with Russia and China, deters potential regional adversaries, and assures U.S. Allies and partners. . It is the policy of the United States— to operate, sustain, and modernize or replace the triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems consisting of— heavy bombers equipped with nuclear gravity bombs and air-launched nuclear cruise missiles; land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles equipped with nuclear warheads that are capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles; and ballistic missile submarines equipped with submarine launched ballistic missiles and multiple nuclear warheads. to operate, sustain, and modernize or replace a capability to forward-deploy nuclear weapons and dual-capable fighter-bomber aircraft; to deter potential adversaries and assure allies and partners of the United States through strong and long-term commitment to the nuclear deterrent of the United States and the personnel, systems, and infrastructure that comprise such deterrent; and to ensure the members of the Armed Forces that operate the nuclear deterrent of the United States have the training, resources, and national support required to execute the critical national security mission of the members.
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