The Role of Nuclear Missiles in American Nuclear Strategy
Members of my tribe live on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota with nuclear missiles. These weapons are located in underground concrete silos surrounded by antennas in small areas fenced off. The missiles are equipped and ready for launch within 60 seconds. This is why they are called Minuteman missiles.
The Catastrophic Effects of Nuclear Attacks
In the event of a potential nuclear attack on the United States, the President has two options regarding nuclear missiles: either to launch them preemptively before potential missiles are destroyed, or to choose to absorb the attack and respond later.
The Impact of a Nuclear Attack on the Fort Berthold Reservation
According to Frank von Hippel, who has worked at Princeton University since 1974 and served in the White House as an assistant National Security Director, there is a possibility of local populations being wiped out in the area surrounding the missiles in the event of a nuclear attack. The impact would not be limited to nuclear radiation, but would also include the effects of the explosion and more. They would be the most affected.
Future Challenges in Disposing of Nuclear Missiles
Leonor Tomero points out that she does not believe the United States should invest in fixed ICBMs. It is a non-survivable system. This means that there is a need to consider new concepts for nuclear deterrence and to focus more on “how to stabilize nuclear deterrence” by emphasizing resilience and survivability.
Challenges Facing the Tribe in Dealing with Nuclear Missiles
The tribe faces significant challenges in dealing with the presence of nuclear missiles on their land. Removing the missiles may be difficult due to technical details and system connectivity. However, removing 15 missiles out of 400 to 450 would not significantly affect the national security of the United States. Nonetheless, current missiles may become obsolete in the future and may not be able to withstand technological advancements. Therefore, the United States should explore new concepts for nuclear deterrence focusing on resilience and survivability.
Conclusion
The MHA Nation tribe is a victim of nuclear weapons and the decisions made by the U.S. government. Tribe members need to better understand the risks they face and the challenges they encounter. This understanding can help challenge the U.S. Air Force’s newsletter and advocate for the removal of nuclear missiles from their lands. The tribe must collaborate with stakeholders to work towards stability and survivability in the face of nuclear threats.
Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/what-would-it-mean-to-absorb-a-nuclear-attack/
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