Keeping the ICBM Relevant in the Post Cold War Environment

Inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) have been, and continue to be, an essential element of the United States (U.S.) strategic global strike equation. While their historic role in helping shape and ultimately win the Cold War is well defined, there are those who believe the ICBM can best serve the U.S. as a duel functioning asset -- as a nuclear based deterrent platform, and as the ultimate conventional global strike weapon. Today, the Air Force is discussing the viability of developing and fielding a conventional ICBM force. In analyzing how best to accomplish this, the Air Force must first reassess the role of the ICBM force and answer the following question: can the ICBM force better serve this nation through a combination of nuclear and conventional strike missions? When looking at the potential for a conventional ICBM force, several factors must be addressed. These include, but are not limited to: why a conventional force is needed, potential value of that force, where will the force be based, what assets will be assigned to the force, and what will a potential payload package look like. The Air Force must consider the feasibility of a conventional ICBM force capable of accomplishing long-range, limited, surgical strikes if it is to remain relevant in today's changing security environment.