Yes, I agree they cannot maintain their strategic stockpile at current levels. But why does this have to translate into the US allowing its forces to atrophy and eliminating what I view as needed programs?
Well, the Nuclear Posture Review stated that Cold War was "behind us" and offered a new way of thinking on the issue. Much of this report is classified, but excerpts are available.
"Since the end of the Cold War, the U.S. defense infrastructure has contracted and our nuclear infrastructure has atrophied. New approaches to development and procurement of new capabilities are being designed so that it will not take 20 years or more to field new generations of weapon systems. With respect to the nuclear infrastructure, it needs to be repaired to increase confidence in the deployed forces, eliminate unneeded weapons, and mitigate the risks of technological surprise. Maintaining our ability to respond to large strategic changes can permit us to reduce our nuclear arsenal and, at the same time, dissuade adversaries from starting a competition in nuclear armaments."
Notice that the Defense Department in 2002 has argued that the our nuclear infrastructure has atrophied. While I agree some weapons are a waste, what exactly have we done since this time to reverse the trend that the DOD points out 8 years ago? Nothing.
I tend to agree with the NPR of 2002. I do not want to go back to 70,000 warheads because it is not needed, but what is needed are reliable warheads and delivery systems that work. Something that we are ignoring in this country.
I do not have much of a view of deterrence. I think it does not really work the way we pretend it does. Take the Yom Kippur war, a widely view nuclear power of Israel was invaded by non-nuclear powers.
Additionally, the UK has made overtures about new delivery systems as well, so they are doing some thinking of their own on the issue.
I am not saying there are no other threats besides Russia, but we need to ensure that the Russia threat does not become one that limits our range of options in Asia and Europe.
