Recommit to the Deterrent

Thirty-four Air Force officers were just removed from their posts in U.S. missile silos for breaking the rules. Unfortunately, this is not the first sign of morale and readiness problems with personnel in these sensitive positions.

In fact, such problems are the logical – and predictable – consequence of the decades of neglect of our deterrent forces. The airmen and women who stand the truly lonely watch in these silos to protect the rest of us must feel their mission has been devalued, if not imperiled, by their Commander-in-Chief. After all, he is determined to rid the world of nuclear weapons, starting with ours.

We must restore the good order, discipline and sense of purpose of our missile personnel. That will require a new national commitment to preserving and upgrading our nuclear deterrent.