The Air Force is taking steps to strengthen nuclear deterrence education and experience for the younger generation of airmen, according to Gen. Robin Rand, head of Air Force Global Strike Command.
Speaking Wednesday at a House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing on the Air Force’s culture of deterrence, Rand said these efforts involve finding commonality between the services and implementing initiatives such as an existing exchange program for captains and majors between the Air Force and Navy.
Rand said the Air Force has established advanced nuclear deterrence studies programs in which officers are temporarily placed in Albuquerque, N.M. He added that the Air Force is “looking at career broadening for our missile and bomber pilots” by expanding assignment opportunities for missile crews into bases in Europe that offer dual-capable aircraft missions.
Rep. John Fleming (R-La.) said he is concerned that “we have an entire generation of young airmen performing nuclear operations that have little appreciation for the special significance that these weapons have.” Considering the threat of nuclear aggression is “arguably more diffuse and unpredictable” than during the Cold War, Fleming said, it is more important than ever to strengthen deterrence education and research for the younger generation.
Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) mentioned ongoing morale problems in the Air Force, asking Rand whether the morale of the missileers could be restored. He was referring to various cheating and misconduct issues revealed in recent years, including misconduct involving the former deputy commander of U.S. Strategic Command and cheating by more than 70 sailors and 90 missileers on proficiency tests. Past hearings raised the issue and noted that much of the morale problem was attributed to poor working conditions and schedules, boredom, and lack of sleep.
Rand said the Air Force is actively addressing its culture issues for missile crew members. It “is not a light switch I can turn on and off,” he said, “but I’m very impressed by the caliber of our young men and women who serve in the missile fields.”