Triad or dyad for the 1990's : a balance of reality

Abstract

As the United States enters the decade of the 1990s, it is essential to review the guidance and policies for our force structures. At the focal point of discussion on future force structures for the United States is the strategic nuclear forces. The strategic nuclear force structure for the United States has been predicated on the concept of a Triad, which consists of three legs, referred to as land-based, sea-based, and manned bombers. Each of the legs consists of separate components. Understanding the tradition of the United States strategic deterrent being predicated on the Triad concept, it is concluded that with the changing international environment and the declaratory statements for continuing to decrease the Defense Budget, a new and realistic review of the factors for determining a strategic nuclear force should be researched. Therefore, the intention of this thesis is to review and analyze the five factors which may contribute to the formulation of a realistic policy for the 1990s with regard to the United States strategic nuclear forces. The final results of the research have indicated sufficient evidence that a policy review of the strategic nuclear Triad should be conducted to meet the challenges and realities of the 1990s and the 21st Century.