Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Europe: Strategy and Future Trends

The purpose of the study was to determine the future principles of employment of tactical nuclear weapons TNW in the NATO Central Region and the manner in which they should be integrated into the overall force structure. This study concentrates on the command and control and stockpiling aspects of this very difficult and politically sensitive problem. The four models offered are 1 mixed stockpile of U.S. and non-U.S. tactical nuclear weapons 2 stockpile solely in the custody of U.S. forces positioned in the Central Region current situation 3 non-U.S. tactical nuclear weapon stockpile on the Central Region and 4 U.S. only TNW stockpile positioned outside the Central Region. Although conceding that alternative number 2 is the only realistic solution for the present situation, this study concludes that alternative number one will become increasingly attractive in the future, particularly with the continued trend toward the political unification of Western Europe.