Dr. Rodney L. Miller
Senior Leader Executive and the Chief Scientist
Air Force Global Strike Command
Barksdale, Air Force Base, La.

Science & Technology Challenges of the Air Force Nuclear Enterprise

The Air Force's responsibilities in nuclear operations are to organize, train, equip, and sustain forces with the capability to support the national security goal of deterring nuclear attack on the United States, our allies, and partners. Air Force nuclear forces consist of delivery systems; nuclear command, control, and communications capabilities; personnel; and the physical infrastructure for sustainment. Intercontinental ballistic missiles and dual-capable bombers and fighters are the Air Force’s delivery platforms. Combined with the Navy’s submarine-launched ballistic missiles and other assets, these forces form the nuclear triad. The Air Force is planning to modernize our critical nuclear capabilities. Since the beginning of the nuclear era, advances in science and technology (S&T) have underpinned the capabilities of our nuclear deterrent forces. This presentation will discuss the role of Air Force Global Strike Command and our integrated efforts to deliver ready and capable nuclear deterrent forces as well as the role of S&T and innovation as we modernize these vital national capabilities.