Introduction : Assuring Control of the Nuclear Force / James J. Wirtz -- Deterrence : the Role of Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications / James J. Wirtz -- NC3 during the Bomber Age : 1945-57 / James Clay Moltz -- NC3 during the Missile Age : 1957-91 / James Clay Moltz -- US Nuclear Command, Control and Communications : an Overview / Jeffrey A. Larsen -- Space Architecture for NC3 : Systems and Technologies / Mathew R. Crook -- Cyber Operations and Nuclear Escalation : a Dangerous Gamble / Jon R. Lindsay -- Technology Threats to NC3 : Past Lessons and Current Challenge / Wade L. Huntley -- Technology Threats to NC3 : A Future Scenario / Wade L. Huntley -- NC3 Modernization : Progress and Remaining Changes / Michael S. Malley -- Conclusion : US NC3 at a Critical Juncture / Jeffrey A. Larsen.
Summary:
"This volume provides an overview of the history, strategy, and technology associated with US nuclear command, control and communications (NC3). It also identifies how the introduction of modern digital technologies and concerns about cyber security complicate the contemporary NC3 setting. The contributors explain how the US military's NC3 works and how it might fail. Concerns about the security of nuclear forces and command and control systems are not new, but they are becoming more urgent. Bringing Cold-War analog systems into the digital age by modernizing hardware and software has the potential to introduce vulnerabilities and unintended consequences. Policymakers and nuclear theorists should consider that nuclear infrastructure and command networks could be penetrated, corrupted, destroyed, or spoofed, leading to a loss of positive control (the ability to fire weapons) or negative control (the ability to prevent unauthorized or accidental use). This volume explores the NC3 "weapons system," its vital role in ensuring effective deterrence, contemporary challenges posed by cyber threats, new weapons technologies, and the consensus across the nuclear enterprise of the need to modernize this Cold War-era system of systems"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.