Nuclear Operations Air Force Doctrine Document 2-1.5.

This doctrine provides guidance for Air Force nuclear operations. This guidance is based on a body of knowledge gained from experience in organizing, training, and equipping nuclear forces in support of national security objectives. The focus of the Air Force role in nuclear operations is to maintain effective forces with sufficient capability to hold at risk a broad range of targets, while placing great emphasis on safety and security. Achieving such a purpose in todays environment requires both an in-depth understanding of the modern world and a useful doctrine based on over 50 years of nuclear operations. Despite the end of the of the cold war, the nuclear threat to the United States has not ended. Russia continues to maintain a formidable nuclear capability, and other nations such as China maintain intercontinental and theater-range weapons as well. While the direct threat to the United States may be limited, it is conceivable that a nuclear confrontation between other nations might involve the United States. Much as the end of the cold war was unexpected, new threats could appear without warning. New governments could conceivably change the course of a countrys development in such a fashion as to lead to another cold war. Tensions between the United States and other countries could increase to the point where a strong deterrent is required. Other strategic threats, not even imagined today, could develop in the years to come. The United States cannot afford to ignore its nuclear doctrine, allowing it to sit on the shelf until another threat arises doctrine must be living if it is to be effective. Nuclear deterrence is not limited to the threat of attack against the United States.