U.S. and Soviet strategic command and control: implications for a protracted nuclear war

Abstract

This thesis will address the relative ability of the command and control systems of the United States and Soviet Union to support a protracted nuclear war. It will address the organizations as well as the various systems used to support the respective National Command Authorities. This includes the threat warning and attack assessment equipment used to determine strategic and tactical warning, the communications equipment used to alert forces of increased readiness and the contribution of these systems in the conduct of nuclear strikes, if required. It also includes a review of the technical factors associated with the performance of C 3 in a nuclear environment. The result is a net assessment of the two command and control systems that highlights the strengths and weaknesses inherent in each. Specific recommendations, such as better aircraft support schemes and more robust command and control systems, are developed to help enhance the United States' position regarding this vital national security issue.