NucleCast News - Week of 4/2/2024
Episodes You Don’t Want to Miss
On NucleCast
The official podcast of the ANWA Deterrence Center
Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)
Ken Myers
In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Ken Myers, the former director of DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency 2009-2016), about the agency's mission and history.? As a member of the Senior Executive Service, he was the fourth and longest serving director of the agency.? He oversaw an annual $3 billion budget and operated simultaneously as a defense agency, combat support agency, and a Combatant Command component safeguarding America and its allies from weapons of mass destruction.? Under his leadership DTRA/SCC was awarded four Joint Meritorious Unit Awards and Ken was awarded the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award.?
In this episode, he discusses DTRA's role as a defense agency, combat support agency, and element of the U.S. Strategic Command. He also explores DTRA's involvement in various missions, including nonproliferation, countering weapons of mass destruction, and support for the warfighter. The conversation covers the evolution of DTRA's mission, the shift of the CWMD mission from STRATCOM to SOCOM, and the role of defense support agencies in supporting the combatant commands. Myers shares his insights on the need for continued technological advancement, bipartisan support for national security, and the importance of maintaining the credibility of the U.S. nuclear weapons stock.
The Important Mission of the?
576 Flight Test Squadron
Lt. Col. Anthony Santino
Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Santino, Commander of the 576 Flight Test Squadron, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, discusses the importance of ICBM testing and the unique mission of his squadron. He explains the process of ICBM testing and the role it plays in ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of the weapon system. Santino also addresses the need for a new Sentinel program and the challenges of sustaining the aging Minuteman III system. He shares interesting facts about the 576 Flight Test Squadron and concludes by emphasizing the importance of predictable federal budgeting and the role of testing in maintaining deterrence.
The 576th Flight Test Squadron is America’s only dedicated Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test squadron. In his role, Lt Col Santino oversees a $100 billion flight test and ground system sustainment program portfolio, and 45 personnel responsible for planning, executing, and reporting all Minuteman III and Sentinel operational test activities. Additionally, he is the principal lead for proficiency training, tactics evaluation, and mission assurance certification of squadron test team members.??
In his previous assignments, Lt Col Santino was a Senate Liaison Officer assigned to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and an Air Force Legislative Fellow assigned to the U.S. House of Representatives. He also served as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commander of United States Strategic Command.?
Lt Col Santino received his commission in 2007 upon graduation from the United States Air Force Academy. He is a Command Missileer and has held positions at the squadron, wing, combatant command, and Headquarters Air Force levels.?
Protecting Our Most Valuable Asset, Our Data
Rob Spalding, Brig Gen, USAD (Ret)?
In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews US Air Force Brigadier General (ret) Rob Spalding, CEO of SEMPRE, about their 5G technology and its relevance to the nuclear enterprise. They discuss the need for resilient infrastructure in the face of natural disasters and potential EMP attacks. SEMPRE's technology aims to provide communication capabilities that can withstand such events and ensure the continuity of critical services. The deployment and functionality of SEMPRE's technology are explained, highlighting its decentralized architecture and ability to extend resiliency to existing networks. The security and accessibility of the system are also addressed. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of protecting citizens and the potential collaboration with national carriers.?
Dr. Spalding is the former White House National Security Council Senior Director for Strategic Planning and served in senior positions of strategy and diplomacy within the Defense and State Departments for more than 26 years. SEMPRE is the only technology company created to protect and secure our most critical resource: data.
He was the chief architect for the widely praised 2017 National Security Strategy and the Senior Director for Strategy to the President at the National Security Council. Rob’s innovation while serving in the White House has led to a reset in national security and public policy regarding telecommunications in the US as well as globally.
The Morality of Nuclear Weapons
Kevin Cooney, Ph.D.?
领英推荐
In this episode, Adam and Dr. Kevin Cooney discuss the morality of nuclear weapons. They explore the concept of just war theory and its application to nuclear weapons, as well as the role of international law in regulating conflict. They delve into the historical context of the use of nuclear weapons in World War II and the ethical considerations surrounding their use. They also examine the current state of nuclear weapons and the arguments for disarmament. The conversation highlights the importance of dialogue and understanding in addressing the complex moral questions surrounding nuclear weapons.
Dr. Cooney is a dedicated professional with an extensive background in security, economics, and organizational development. He is currently serving as the second President of Wilberforce International Institute, a non-profit, working with international students to bring redemptive change and human flourishing to their home cultures.?
Dr. Cooney is a Distinguished Affiliated Faculty at Regent University where he teaches graduate courses for the Robertson School of Government. He is also a Visiting Professor at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Beppu, Japan where he teaches courses on Violence, Cybersecurity Management, Strategy, and the Political economics of Asia. He has traveled extensively (58 countries to date) including time spent in the Middle East researching and studying terrorism. He was a tenured professor at Union University (TN) and later served the Director of the Pacific Rim Center at Northwest University where he held a dual appointment as Professor of both Business and Political Science.?
In Case You Missed These Episodes…
Australia's Defense Strategic Review
Carl Rhodes, Ph.D.
Carl Rhodes Ph.D. is the founder of Robust Policy, a Canberra-based business that provides evidence-based analysis on defense topics. Carl worked at RAND Corporation from 1997-2021, including four years as director of RAND Australia. Prior to moving to Australia, Carl spent twenty years as a researcher and manager in RAND’s Project AIR FORCE. His research portfolio has covered topics including long-range strike, ISR, sovereign weapons, nuclear deterrence, unmanned systems, and stressors facing 20th Air Force.
The History of the NNSA and Where are We Now?
The Honorable Rob R. Hood?
The Honorable Robert R. Hood served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs at the Pentagon. In this role, he supported the Secretary of Defense and the Department's other senior leaders by promoting the policies, strategies, and budget of the Department of Defense (DOD) to the United States Congress.?
Prior to being confirmed as an Assistant Secretary, Rob served as the Vice President for Government Affairs at CH2M HILL, a fortune 500 engineering company. Rob previously served in the White House as a Special Assistant to President George W. Bush in the Office of Legislative Affairs.
Before working on the White House staff, Rob served at the DOD as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs and as the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) for Budget and Appropriations Affairs. Prior to the Pentagon, Rob served as the Director of Congressional Affairs for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a semi-autonomous agency within the Department of Energy responsible for maintaining the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile and nonproliferation efforts.
Want to Learn More??
Did you know that the Advanced Nuclear Weapons Alliance Deterrence Center (ANWA DC), a 501(c)3, educates key decision makers, stakeholders and the public to ensure a broader understanding of the Nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent and its ongoing modernization across the United States. Established in August 2017, ANWA DC reviews through our public Forums, educational podcasts, and more intimate Roundtables the benefits of a modern strategic nuclear deterrent. If you want to learn more about how your organization can get involved, please reach out to us.? We would love to hear from you.?
Thank you for moving us forward in the mission of the ANWA Deterrence Center.? We couldn’t do this without the support of our sponsors, volunteers, donors, and guest speakers.? Here are some of the ways you can be engaged:?
Thank you again for being a part of the ANWA Deterrence Center family, moving us toward this milestone, and celebrating our successful first year anniversary.??
Best Regards,
David Cherington - Founder and Managing Director, ANWA Deterrence Center
Jeff Crater - Founder and Managing Director, ANWA Deterrence Center
Adam Lowther - Host of NucleCast, Strategic Advisor to ANWA Deterrence Center
Kimberly Cherington - Program Manager, ANWA Deterrence Center, Producer of NucleCast