Beyond Deterrence: The Political Economy of Nuclear Weapons by Frank L Gertcher

Author:Frank L Gertcher [Gertcher, Frank L]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Public Policy, Constitutions, Social Policy, Political Science, General
ISBN: 9780367007249
Google: wWDwDwAAQBAJ
Goodreads: 52610423
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2019-07-22T00:00:00+00:00

Conversions of Military Resources from Nuclear to Conventional Uses

The increased expense of conventional forces, and the fact that the Soviet Union is probably better prepared to wage conventional warfare in Europe than is the West, have already forced military leaders to consider whether some strategic weapon systems might be able to function in a conventional role. For example, General John Chain, Commander of SAC, has proposed that the G model of the B-52 bomber be retained for convention mission use instead of buying newer planes and equipment. He argued that budget constraints and possible future arms accords could make it difficult for theater commanders to acquire all the new conventional assets they need.49 And in a 1984 paper written for the National Defense University, Thomas A. Keaney proposed that the B-1B bomber could also undertake a number of conventional missions.50

In addition, weapon systems that can deliver tactical nuclear warheads are all well suited to the use of conventional warheads and could be easily converted. However, many strategic systems are so firmly linked to the use of nuclear warheads that it is unlikely that they would be allowed to exist if either a reduction or elimination of nuclear weapons was accomplished. For example, the Pershing II missile (or one of its derivatives) and the Minuteman II ICBM, have both been suggested as members of a new class of missiles that would be armed with conventional, high powered, highly accurate munitions that would make appealing conventional systems. These missiles would use shaped charges, hypervelocity projectiles, fragmentation bombs and earth penetrating warheads.51 However, there is little chance that either missile would survive any agreement to reduce nuclear arms.

The slim chance of converting strategic systems, and the certain need after a nuclear accord is reached for conventional weapons with increased capabilities, have led Congress to fund two new initiatives to begin to redress shortfalls in conventional weapons. The Balanced Technology Initiative (BTI) is meant to develop new technologies for conventional warfare and is expected to have initial costs of about $700 million. The Conventional Defense Initiative (CDI) will buy new conventional weapons and encourage cooperation among the NATO allies in conventional warfare matters.52

The effect of a nuclear disarmament agreement on reallocating manpower resources within the Department of Defense is not clear. To the extent that the presence of nuclear weapons promotes the illusion that the chance of being in combat is minimal, nuclear weapons may also increase the attractiveness of the All Volunteer Force. Thus, a force that is formed around the principle of fighting large conventional conflicts and absorbing the losses that this kind of warfare entails may have trouble recruiting the additional soldiers that will be required.

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