This is a huge story by Bill Gertz in today’s Washington Times documenting the latest failed nuclear inspection by the Air Force. The latest in string of embarrassments–Air Force units have failed two inspections in the past three months.
The Air Force’s neglect of its nuclear mission and responsibilities is shocking, but should be expected for the reasons that Gertz’s story identifies. But what is more worrisome is that the “nuclear neglect” is found at the highest levels of the civilian leadership from Clinton until the present. It is right to chastise Air Force Secretaries and Chiefs of Staff, but there is a lot of blame to go around, it includes Secretaries of Defense Perry, Cohen and Rumsfeld. We hope that Secretary Gates will be successful in his effort to reverse the decline.
The Schlesinger Commission (referenced in the story) and the equally important Welch Commission are good places to start, but their suggestions have to be incorporated by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Air Force, and Navy–as well as by the Secretary of Defense.
If not, then the United States is on the path to de facto denuclearization. The consequences of this for the country, our allies, and our ability to deter our foes must be considered.
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