Political considerations in developing measures of effectiveness for strategic defense

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Authors
Cerwonka, Robert J.
Subjects
Strategic Defense
Measures of Effectiveness
Strategic Doctrine
Nuclear Forces
Advisors
Kartchner, K.M.
Date of Issue
1986-03
Date
Publisher
Language
en_US
Abstract
This thesis develops a Measure of Effectiveness (MOE) for strategic defenses from open source political literature. First, an examination of the doctrines and strategic nuclear force structures of the United States and the Soviet Union is conducted to illuminate the primary challenges to a U. S. system of strategic defense. Second, the issue of utilizing strategic defense for the protection of U. S. retaliatory nuclear forces ( counterforce enhancement) is addressed. Third, the degree of effectiveness which a counterforce enhancing system of strategic defense must meet is established through the definition of minimal retaliatory assets required to effect U. S. targeting plans. Finally, the conclusions and findings of this research are presented in a summary chapter.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
78 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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