Could you push the Nuclear Button?

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 02:11:06 -0500

Imagine that you are a Minuteman or Trident missileer (AF and Navy, respectively). You are fully aware that a few oz's of pressure with your finger WILL kill millions of people. Could you do it?

I know that most of us here are alphas, and our knee-jerk reaction is to say 'of course I could.' That's fine. That might also be accurate. But I'm asking you step back, put yourself in that position, and determine whether or not you ACTUALLY would do so if ordered.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 13 at 2016 2:19 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 02:19:23 -0500

SN Greg Wright Your not playing Nice Tonight are You? Damn Shipmate. I was SAS Sealed Authentication System. Good if Mean Question. I suspect that I would do my Duty. That is a Horrible Thought. Damn Good I might bring down the End of the World. That is Harsh!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Dec 13 at 2016 3:28 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 03:28:36 -0500

Yes.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Dec 13 at 2016 3:46 AM

SGT Tony Clifford — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 03:46:41 -0500

The only honest answer is I don't know. That goes for anyone regardless of what they say. Nuclear war is a death sentence for humanity and everyone knows it. The people who work in those missile silos have no clue about the circumstances leading to the launch. Are we conducting the first strike? Are were retaliating? Those are morally important things to know. Also, it is entirely possible that a mistake could have been made. I truly believe that the vast majority of people charged with maintaining MAD, would probably be unable to fulfill their mission. I also believe the same would apply to our enemies. So the answer is that nobody could know until the situation presented itself.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2016 7:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 07:12:49 -0500

How the hell would you stop me? It is button, it must be pushed, that is its destiny. I am a great many things for my country, but a guardian of unpushed buttons I am not. Ask Geraldo Rivera's camera crew.

Seriously though, let's be honest. Just because you are in the military doesn't make you an alpha type. That is a title I would confer only upon a few people. The guys who are charged with the final controls of a nuclear missile are not alpha types. They are non-aggressive individuals who follow orders. That is what makes them special. They do not take charge, they do not take initiative. They follow the orders they are given.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2016 7:32 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 07:32:57 -0500

Once sure that all things are authentic, yes.

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 13 at 2016 8:08 AM

SGT David T. — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 08:08:05 -0500

Look at it this way. Our national policy (right now) is no first use. So assuming we continue to follow that policy, then the order to nuke someone is because they nuked us first. You also have to factor in the training element. People who do that job drill on this stuff so it can be done with little to no thought. Also consider the disassociation. They run their launch sequence, but do not see the results. Combine all of that together and I think it would be done if the order came down.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Dec 13 at 2016 9:53 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 09:53:49 -0500

I make calls that effect global economics on a daily. If needed, I would be able to pull the trigger for a nuke. Whether or not I actually want that job is a different story though.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Dec 13 at 2016 10:06 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 10:06:15 -0500

If the order came down, then it meant that there were inbound missiles coming our way and within the next 30 minutes all that we know is going to vaporize in a flash of light. So, yeah I would return the favor without hesitation and then kiss my own ass goodbye.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2016 10:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 10:25:08 -0500

not unless they fired on us first.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Dec 13 at 2016 11:36 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 11:36:30 -0500

Not me! It's one of the things that I envy about those that actually carry it to the enemy hand to hand or charge up a hill. Can't imagine it, heck I won't even hunt anymore and sound like a Buddhist when talking to my grandsons.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 13 at 2016 12:07 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 12:07:10 -0500

Yes. It is not my call to make whether or not I push the button. It's my job to actually push the button. The people making that call are sitting in intel briefs weighing the odds. Maybe we are making a first strike against one of their remote missile silos. Maybe we are stopping a global catastrophe. Or maybe we're just sick of it all and going for global conquest. I don't know and it's not my job to know. My job is to push the button when I'm told to.

What I do know though is that if it were actually my job to push that button, I would make damn sure my family was protected in the event of retaliation.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Dec 13 at 2016 12:08 PM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 12:08:15 -0500

With a properly authenticated EWO...yes

Response by SFC George Smith made Dec 13 at 2016 1:05 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 13:05:25 -0500

depends on the situation ... and the reasons...

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 13 at 2016 1:08 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 13:08:50 -0500

Depends on where the bomb is landing...

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Dec 13 at 2016 2:39 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 14:39:20 -0500

If I had all the training I assume I would do my duty. Probably do everything I could to avoid that job in the first place.

Response by MSG Jay Jackson made Dec 13 at 2016 5:00 PM

MSG Jay Jackson — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 17:00:43 -0500

It's easy to be keyboard tough. But the thought of killing millions maybe billions. Man is Jesus writing you one hell of a counseling statement!!!!!:) But seriously no one will be around to convict you or face book shame you. Sauce for the goose.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2016 6:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 18:21:03 -0500

I would definitely never be selected for that sort of duty, since I would never push the button. I joined up so I could protect and defend, not murder millions. I understand it's role as a deterrent, however if it fails to deter... what do we gain by killing millions more?

Response by SPC Greg K. made Dec 14 at 2016 6:43 AM

SPC Greg K. — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 06:43:01 -0500

If you can't stand the heat.....(pun intended). You took an oath, so follow your orders or get out of the way.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2016 7:27 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 07:27:02 -0500

There can certainly be questions about whether nuclear deterrence actually deters all our adversaries. Former president Aminablowjob of Iran is definitely one of those who might seek nuclear holocaust as a means of ushering in an Islamofascist Armageddon.

But what we hope is that our people's willingness to push the button, if so ordered, is what keeps the guy on the other side from pushing the button. I know there are doubts about nuclear deterrence, but it has worked for 70+ years now, which is certainly a better track record than the UN has, for example, in preventing war.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Dec 14 at 2016 7:41 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 07:41:15 -0500

Spent 15+ years as a SAC aircrew member, so answer is an absolute yes. One needs to understand all the checks and balances in the system, so if you receive a validated execution message it's your job to carry out the orders.

Response by PO1 Mike Washburne made Dec 14 at 2016 8:10 AM

PO1 Mike Washburne — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 08:10:42 -0500

I was an FTG1(SS) on the first generation of missile boats(George Washington Class) I stood watch in the Torpedo Room and Missile Control Center. Home ported in Pearl. We had discussions about this. We knew that if the SHTF, Pearl, where our families were, would be one of the first targets and that they would be gone. The unanimous decision was to support the captain if the launch order came down.

Response by PO1 Roger Waddle made Dec 14 at 2016 8:14 AM

PO1 Roger Waddle — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 08:14:38 -0500

If it was aimed at the middle East I would stand on that bitch, it saves mores lives than it takes

Response by SPC John Wheeler made Dec 14 at 2016 8:35 AM

SPC John Wheeler — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 08:35:25 -0500

I know nothing about how that whole thing works. But my odds on guess is that the operator and officer who turns that key or hits that button doesn't know if its a drill or the real thing until after the orders are carried out. I think they face that real possibility every time they have a drill. And pray its only a drill....

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made Dec 14 at 2016 8:54 AM

PO2 Robert Cuminale — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 08:54:45 -0500

What's the difference between pushing a button to start a launch sequence and pulling a trigger to shoot an enemy combatant other than the number of dead and structural damage?

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Dec 14 at 2016 8:55 AM

CPO Bill Penrod — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 08:55:03 -0500

Ask the bomber crew of WWII or Vietnam. Some time they could see the whites of the enemy's eyes.....,

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2016 9:20 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 09:20:09 -0500

You as a United States military man do not have the option to make that decision you just follow orders. Commander in Chief gives the orders remember

Response by A1C Robert Novak made Dec 14 at 2016 9:29 AM

A1C Robert Novak — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 09:29:18 -0500

As a member of an ATLAS ICBM launch crew in the 1960's (Cuban Missile Crisis), I was always aware there was a possibility of launching the weapon and conscious of wreaking death and destruction on such a wide scale. It was not a pleasant thought, but when in defense of my country and upon receiving the order to fire, I was prepared to push that button, without a second thought.

Response by MSgt Jeff Greene made Dec 14 at 2016 9:34 AM

MSgt Jeff Greene — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 09:34:59 -0500

If that is part of my job then yes. These missiles are aimed at countries that wish us harm and I would not have a problem pushing the button if given a lawful order. Does anyone think that any of those countries had nuclear weapons and were not afraid of retaliation wouldn't launch at us? MAD is what keeps the world safe, for now. Why do we work so hard to keeps nucs our of the middle east?

Response by Sgt Greg Puckett made Dec 14 at 2016 9:49 AM

Sgt Greg Puckett — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 09:49:19 -0500

Can I pick my own targets? Seriously though. If I was assigned to a Minuteman, then it is my duty to push the button. Millions of Americans would counting on me to do my duty. SO Yes.

Response by LCpl James Robertson made Dec 14 at 2016 9:56 AM

LCpl James Robertson — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 09:56:29 -0500

I would have to ask the question, what is the consequences of not doing so, do is mean if you are negligent everyone else will die including yourself, some times you have to do things to protect the lives of others and yourself. When missiles are in the hand of evil doers, you most stop evil in anyway you can. I'd say yes.

Response by PO1 Jason Venema made Dec 14 at 2016 10:41 AM

PO1 Jason Venema — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 10:41:27 -0500

If it came to saving American lives, then not only would I do it just because it was an order, I would WANT to do it.

Response by MSgt Richard Randall made Dec 14 at 2016 10:50 AM

MSgt Richard Randall — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 10:50:54 -0500

I can't speak for the Navy submariners simply because I don't know the procedures for Trident operations. As for the Air Force, that’s one of the questions asked during crew selection and as part of the continuous PRP process for all nuclear certified personnel. As an operator or maintainer on those critters you’re always scrutinized as to your dedication, mental acuity and understanding of what it means to “push the button.” In other words, do you really understand the gravity of your profession and what you may be ordered to do? If there is any doubt to a launch officer’s ability to turn keys then they’re removed from duty. One must also understand the launch crews do not live in a vacuum. There are continuous intel briefings and know much more about the state of the world than the average person on the street. Also, as with any profession, operations and maintenance in the ICBM fleet are continually undergoing some kind of evaluation. It’s suppose its very similar to developing “muscle memory.” You practice, simulate or perform a task so often that it becomes second nature. So if/when the balloon goes up I have no doubt the crews will turn keys. I know I would.

Response by CPO Zack Lindsey made Dec 14 at 2016 11:15 AM

CPO Zack Lindsey — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 11:15:33 -0500

Ok let me throw a rench in this you have a tango in the streets of anywhere usa with some small suitcase glow in the dark bang boom boom or nasty bug crap and he has your loved one now you have to make your mind up and you have a split sec to do it cause you have to take you loved one out to take the tango out to stop him or her from doing his thing with what they are trying to do ( yea I know it is sick but this is the stuff that I think of most of the time. But it is right there with pushing the button but just more in the line with today's time. Frame just my opinion is all.

Response by SPC Dennis Escobar made Dec 14 at 2016 11:20 AM

SPC Dennis Escobar — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 11:20:05 -0500

I would like to quote senator Zell Miller to answer your question: "I say bomb the hell out of them. If there's collateral damage, so be it. They certainly found our civilians to be expendable".

Response by PO2 Mark Evans made Dec 14 at 2016 12:11 PM

PO2 Mark Evans — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 12:11:30 -0500

Sadly, I know I could.
Sometime during the height of the cold war, somewhere in the north Atlantic, in a 640 class boat.
We were suppose to have a WSRT (weapons system readiness test), the OOD screwed the pooch and said "man battle stations missile for strategic launch", everyone was shitting themselves but every last man did their job and was ready to pull the trigger before the word was passed that this was "just" a WSRT. This remains some 35+ years later the closest thing to PTSD I have. I can't talk or write about it without a fit of emotion.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2016 12:48 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 12:48:20 -0500

Could You Push The Button? Not without the proper security clearance.

Response by CPO David Rediger made Dec 14 at 2016 12:54 PM

CPO David Rediger — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 12:54:25 -0500

I served in the cold war. That question was always on our minds. I was on an Attack Submarine so that question was mute. But here is my slant on the subject. Submarine launched missiles are not a first response weapon. By the time they get the launch order we are fully engaged in Mutually Assured Destruction. And after the last missile was away we knew the our families where gone because our homeport was on the first strike list and the rest of the country was filled with 300 million well done steaks.

Response by PFC Carmen A Garcia made Dec 14 at 2016 1:44 PM

PFC Carmen A Garcia — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 13:44:47 -0500

At this moment my reaction would be no I couldn't do it. Yet any person close to the nuclear button, whether President or military, are in a position to know why, where and who would be affected. This is why our military must stay on top of things happening in this country and abroad so they will be ready for whatever must be done.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Dec 14 at 2016 1:49 PM

LTC Ed Ross — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 13:49:50 -0500

Like the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan, you have to believe that the loss of American lives can be reduced by destroying the enemy before he can destroy you,

Response by Lt Col Robert Canfield made Dec 14 at 2016 1:53 PM

Lt Col Robert Canfield — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 13:53:20 -0500

That's a critical component of "deterrence". Its not just enough to have the missiles just sitting there in a silo waiting to be launched. You have to have the right people pulling alert, ready to run the procedures, do the authentication, and turn the keys. I am glad that we have the folks that will unequivocally say "YES, I will do it."

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Dec 14 at 2016 2:02 PM

SP5 Robert Ruck — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 14:02:19 -0500

I was a Programmer Test Station (PTS) operator for the Pershing Missile System ( 1rst Plt C Battery 3rd84th FA 70-73). We on the firing crew discussed this issue on numerous occasions. The answer was yes we would do our jobs and launch our missiles if ordered to do so. Each time the klaxon went off we had no idea if it was for real or a test drill until the missile was counted down to two minutes and holding. So the answer is yes I would.

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Dec 14 at 2016 2:08 PM

SP5 Robert Ruck — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 14:08:26 -0500

I was a Programmer Test Station operator with the Pershing Missile System ( 1rst Plt C Battery 3rd/84th FA 70-73 ). We in the firing squad discussed this question many times. All agreed that we would do our jobs as ordered. Each time the klaxon went off we counted our missiles down not knowing if this was the real thing or a drill. So the answer on my part is yes I could and would count down to launch.

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Dec 14 at 2016 2:23 PM

LTC Orlando Illi — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 14:23:17 -0500

Yes. What a stupid question. If you are in that position you have no choice. If you have any doubts grab your teddy bear find your safe space and suckered your thumb. Again what a stupid question

Response by PO3 Pj Clarke made Dec 14 at 2016 3:06 PM

PO3 Pj Clarke — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 15:06:42 -0500

In Sub School we were asked the following question: If it meant surrendering your Country, or initiating a nuclear strike what would you do? To a man, everyone answered -- initiate the strike.

As warfighters, we understand better than most the responsibility of control of the "nuclear option". Our loyality, our decision to carry out our orders in this regard was never called into question, nor did we ever doubt our ability to carry out those orders. All the posturing, second guessing, moral theorizing, and doubt concerning the carrying out a strategic directive on the orders of the President, makes for a good movie plot. But fantasy never begets reality, and in the reality of the Cold War, our resolve to act decisively was not then, nor can it be now ever called into question.

Response by PO2 Paul W. made Dec 14 at 2016 3:30 PM

PO2 Paul W. — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 15:30:11 -0500

When I enlisted I chose to go Navy instead of USMC because I new I could save lives as a Corpsman AND go FMF, but I didn't think I could pull a trigger. After separation in 1969 and 14 years in law enforcement, I philosophically & morally changed such that I now know sometimes pulling the trigger IS saving life!

So, yes, I could/would push the button!

Response by SPC Tommy Dean made Dec 14 at 2016 3:53 PM

SPC Tommy Dean — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 15:53:23 -0500

The military is here to preserve democracy, not practice it. If the order came down to push the button and it was my job to push it, then yes. I'd push it three or four times just to make sure it took.

Response by SPC Darren Koele made Dec 14 at 2016 4:28 PM

SPC Darren Koele — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 16:28:11 -0500

Years ago, during the waning days of the Cold War when I served (87-91) friends would ask me. At the time, my mindset was a little different. We had one "mortal" enemy and some smaller ones as well. In those days, I would have said, "Yes, kill em all". Then again, I was an 18,19, 20 year old full of piss and vinegar that was ready to do my duty no questions asked. Now that I am older, I'd like to think I would still do my duty but it's hard to say, never having been placed in such a scenario. I would like to think there are enough safeguards in place that by the time the order gets to you, you don't have to think, you just do. You have a lot of destructive power under your finger, but that's something you should be prepared for prior to being in that position.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Dec 14 at 2016 4:28 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 16:28:50 -0500

If I was trained in that position to do it then yes. Training and instinct would kick in and it would be done without question and thinking. That is why we choose and train and train and train and train those specific warriors to do just that...do it on orders instinctively. I equate it to being no different than being on patrol and shooting the enemy...pulling the trigger is no different than pushing the "button". You are trained and required to carryout your duties period. Would I think about it afterward...maybe but not for long, because if I had to push the button to rain down hell on someone else, that means some hell is coming my way...get the lawn chairs and brews and enjoy the fireworks cause that is probably the end.

Response by PO1 Michael Garrett made Dec 14 at 2016 4:33 PM

PO1 Michael Garrett — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 16:33:12 -0500

Pulling the nuclear trigger will not save US lives-only let the enemy know that they too will lose out in this war. The doctrine of MAD in action.

Response by PO1 Joseph Glennon made Dec 14 at 2016 6:35 PM

PO1 Joseph Glennon — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 18:35:17 -0500

You're asking a solid and weighty question.

Before I would take the job / MOS / rating that would put me in the position to do so, I'd do the thinking and soul-searching - not when the order came to flick the cover, insert the key, and hit the button.

Historically, the U.S. is the only country to have used a nuclear weapon (okay, an atomic weapon) for anything other than testing. In retrospect, the bombs we dropped on Japan, which took hundreds of thousands of lives, arguably saved millions of lives; also, the bombs cut the war's duration considerably (which would also equate to millions more being able to recover from suffering and shortages more quickly).

If we look at Hiroshima and Nagasaki today, they've recovered (well, Japan has recovered from the loss of the population) and both cities look much more prosperous than, say, Detroit.

Since I would do my soul-searching and praying *before* I applied for, or took, the job that would put me on the hot seat when the order was given - I have to confess that, yes, if I were in that position, I would hit the button.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Dec 14 at 2016 8:29 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 20:29:52 -0500

No but my concern would not be on what would happen by that 1 missile but for the response it might cause. You push that 1 button and you might initiate the end of everyone and everything. There are too many nuclear weapons under the control of people who shouldn't even be allowed to own a gun let alone make the decision to use those weapons. If I were to push that one button I might initiate a chain reaction by them that would spell the end for everything.

Response by SFC Jeffrey Couch made Dec 14 at 2016 10:05 PM

SFC Jeffrey Couch — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 22:05:43 -0500

I have read quite a few responses I would say this it is your job morally and justifiably to not follow through with a order if you think you have justifiable reasons especially when millions of lives are at stake but usually if you get the secret codes to launch its already hit the fan so I would say yes

Response by MSgt Ronnie Kelly made Dec 14 at 2016 10:30 PM

MSgt Ronnie Kelly — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 22:30:57 -0500

I feel it, like any other duty that calls for the possibility of taking lives, it comes down to the acceptance of that risk. You make a decision and accept the reality of your task, commit to training and conditioning to complete the task. This, as with any such task, the training and conditioning will take over and you completed the task.

Response by CWO2 Richard Rose made Dec 14 at 2016 10:39 PM

CWO2 Richard Rose — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 22:39:56 -0500

In my career field of communications, command and control it was my job to ensure that the messages to launch were transmitted and systems were up to make that happen. Everytime I would relay EAMs it was unknown whether a drill or the real deal. I knew that if it was an actual launch order that I was effectively killing everyone I knew or loved, to include my family. I never hesitated and wouldn't allow hesitation, period. This was during the Cold War years when MAD was the name of the game. Being a target was just the way it was and they were targets, too. It was something that you didn't worry about, nor question.

Response by LTC Bob Forrest made Dec 15 at 2016 6:07 AM

LTC Bob Forrest — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 06:07:22 -0500

For a slightly different perspective, I served as a junior officer in the field artillery during the period when we had tactical nuclear weapons. In addition to the Lance and Pershing missiles, there were nuclear projectiles for the eight inch and 155mm howitzers. Given the doctrine under which we would have employed them, we woud all have been aware of the dire situation first hand necessitating their use. So I think it might have been easier for us than it would be for USAF missileers or Navy SSBN crews.

Response by CW4 Don Conlan made Dec 15 at 2016 8:41 AM

CW4 Don Conlan — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 08:41:59 -0500

Response by SN Michael Smith made Dec 15 at 2016 8:43 AM

SN Michael Smith — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 08:43:20 -0500

I had enlisted as an ET and a sub volunteer, my training was to be for the Polaris and Trident missile systems. I have to believe that when the order came down from the President, I would have pushed the launch button after verification of the targets.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Dec 15 at 2016 9:33 AM

1SG Patrick Sims — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 09:33:25 -0500

I recall a news reporter in the 60's who once said-"I'd rather live on my knees, than die on my feet."---You're protecting millions of Americans---What do you think is the right thing to do?

Response by PO2 Michael Dowell made Dec 15 at 2016 9:58 AM

PO2 Michael Dowell — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 09:58:14 -0500

I had that job on a Trident sub, yes I would push it, you don't even think about it at the time. You practice it so many times and when it comes time you don't question it you just do it. When your just cruising around punching holes in the ocean you have plenty of time to think 'what if' but when the time comes it's pure reaction, you have to get the birds off the boat because when your in position to launch your a big target, there's likely a Fast Attack watching your every move waiting to blow you up if you look like your going to launch. Mom, Dad and little Susie are most likely dust in the wind now or in a short while because the other side won't hesitate, they train just as hard and know the reality of what is happening. Yes, it's not Alpha male to push the button, it's just what you do. Glade I never did...

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Dec 15 at 2016 11:55 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 11:55:14 -0500

You can go here and find out all about it....

http://www.usscasimirpulaski.com

Response by TSgt James Carson made Dec 15 at 2016 1:18 PM

TSgt James Carson — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 13:18:45 -0500

You have to certainly have to have allot of faith in your government and it's leaders to puch the nuclear button. If people were made to watch what nuclear weapons do, to the earth and to living things there would'nt be so much John Wayne syndrome. I'm NOT Putting John Wayne, the actor down. he was great. So you over sensitive people don't get your crotch in a bunch.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Dec 15 at 2016 3:15 PM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:15:51 -0500

As the ultimate, Final Protective Fire, yes, let the birds fly.

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made Dec 15 at 2016 10:05 PM

SGT Glenn E Moody — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 22:05:44 -0500

orders are orders if the order came confirmed yes it is my job then i would do it. thats like asking an Infantryman would you shoot someone woman or child that had a weapon small arms or strapped to them. than i would have to do my job. then live with it. did i shoot that child and save a platoon who was going to die anyway when the bomb went off. war is hell i have never had to do anything like that the call never came in my 6 years of service. 1981 to 1987 the President Reagan years

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Dec 15 at 2016 10:41 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 22:41:43 -0500

Sp4 Byron Skinner If my duty (Job) was to press the launch button of a nuclear weapon I wouldn't have any problem in doing my duty. Personally I see nuclear weapons as being Militarily useless as our military did in the 1980's when they withdrew nuclear Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and the Pershing II tactical range missile systems. On the battle all you have to do is spread out your forces and let the enemy nuc you. You will lose some soldiers but their deaths would be very expensive deaths to the enemy. Also defense against nuclear delivery platforms has increased greatly. In the 2003 invasion of iraq no Scud missiles landed on American troops even thout Saddam had hundreds to fire on the advancing Americans. Just for an example the USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) a couple of days ago, launched an SM 6 Dual 1 SAM and it made a hit on a Chinese simulated DF 21D Carrier killer. Even though the DF 21D has yet to hit a moving carrier and pretty much the technology to do so is on the US. The SAM 3 Dual 6 SAM will be able to do cold kills in orbit. Our Navy does't employ carrier killer missiles because there are no carriers out there that are not from friendly countries. Back to Nuclear Weapons remember Colin Powell's Pottery Barn theory, "you broke it you bought it" Any city the US would nut would have to be rebuilt by the US the country that the city is in would have spent to much in money, resources, and people to afford to rebuild. Right now in the Middle East the use will have to fix Aleppo, Mosul and Raqqah. After spending hundreds of billions destroying these cities we will have to spend more billions rebuilding them.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2016 2:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 14:43:58 -0500

No, I couldn't. The idea of being responsible for the destruction of millions of lives, both instantly and in the aftermath truly troubles me. Having to answer to God for it prevents me from doing it.

Response by CAPT Walter Luthiger made Dec 16 at 2016 11:52 PM

CAPT Walter Luthiger — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 23:52:27 -0500

If I received a valid, authentic order, I would absolutely execute the launch as directed. Having been in command of a SSBN and other strategic weapons related duty stations, I know that such an action is not taken lightly and failure to execute the mission would likely lead to significant loss of life back home.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Dec 17 at 2016 10:23 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 10:23:55 -0500

Yep

Response by MAJ Richard Cheek made Dec 18 at 2016 3:01 PM

MAJ Richard Cheek — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 15:01:43 -0500

My job was not to launch but I did control the codes and the messaging. Too many movies about madmen getting the codes.

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Dec 18 at 2016 9:31 PM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 21:31:24 -0500

I used to tell my Marines, "we work FOR democracy, therefore we don't work IN A democracy" with that being said, we serve for the greater good. If the order was given, yes I would "push the button" turn the key, what have you. Semper Fi

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made Dec 22 at 2016 12:43 PM

PO2 Kevin LaCroix — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 12:43:57 -0500

Yes, but with a great deal of remorse.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2017 7:43 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 19:43:15 -0500

Yes, I could. The reason being is if we need to deploy nukes, that probably means the enemy we're facing has either done something terrible to us or is about to (i.e. nuke us); or there's a situation where nukes need to be employed otherwise it could result in great loses on our end.