SN Greg Wright 2154760 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Imagine that you are a Minuteman or Trident missileer (AF and Navy, respectively). You are fully aware that a few oz&#39;s of pressure with your finger WILL kill millions of people. Could you do it?<br /><br />I know that most of us here are alphas, and our knee-jerk reaction is to say &#39;of course I could.&#39; That&#39;s fine. That might also be accurate. But I&#39;m asking you step back, put yourself in that position, and determine whether or not you ACTUALLY would do so if ordered. 2016-12-13T02:11:06-05:00 SN Greg Wright 2154760

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Imagine that you are a Minuteman or Trident missileer (AF and Navy, respectively). You are fully aware that a few oz&#39;s of pressure with your finger WILL kill millions of people. Could you do it?<br /><br />I know that most of us here are alphas, and our knee-jerk reaction is to say &#39;of course I could.&#39; That&#39;s fine. That might also be accurate. But I&#39;m asking you step back, put yourself in that position, and determine whether or not you ACTUALLY would do so if ordered.

2016-12-13T02:11:06-05:00 2016-12-13T02:11:06-05:00 PO1 William "Chip" Nagel 2154766

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="640136" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/640136-sn-greg-wright">SN Greg Wright</a> 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!

2016-12-13T02:19:23-05:00 2016-12-13T02:19:23-05:00 Capt Seid Waddell 2154842

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes.

2016-12-13T03:28:36-05:00 2016-12-13T03:28:36-05:00 SGT Tony Clifford 2154859

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The only honest answer is I don&#39;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.

2016-12-13T03:46:41-05:00 2016-12-13T03:46:41-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 2155044

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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&#39;s camera crew.<br /><br />Seriously though, let&#39;s be honest. Just because you are in the military doesn&#39;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.

2016-12-13T07:12:49-05:00 2016-12-13T07:12:49-05:00 Capt Private RallyPoint Member 2155080

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Once sure that all things are authentic, yes.

2016-12-13T07:32:57-05:00 2016-12-13T07:32:57-05:00 SGT David T. 2155158

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-13T08:08:05-05:00 2016-12-13T08:08:05-05:00 SrA Edward Vong 2155358

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-13T09:53:49-05:00 2016-12-13T09:53:49-05:00 SFC J Fullerton 2155387

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-13T10:06:15-05:00 2016-12-13T10:06:15-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 2155420

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>not unless they fired on us first.

2016-12-13T10:25:08-05:00 2016-12-13T10:25:08-05:00 MCPO Roger Collins 2155596

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not me! It&#39;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&#39;t imagine it, heck I won&#39;t even hunt anymore and sound like a Buddhist when talking to my grandsons.

2016-12-13T11:36:30-05:00 2016-12-13T11:36:30-05:00 Cpl Justin Goolsby 2155675

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes. It is not my call to make whether or not I push the button. It&#39;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&#39;re just sick of it all and going for global conquest. I don&#39;t know and it&#39;s not my job to know. My job is to push the button when I&#39;m told to.<br /><br />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.

2016-12-13T12:07:10-05:00 2016-12-13T12:07:10-05:00 Sgt John Steinmeier 2155678

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>With a properly authenticated EWO...yes

2016-12-13T12:08:15-05:00 2016-12-13T12:08:15-05:00 SFC George Smith 2155883

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>depends on the situation ... and the reasons...

2016-12-13T13:05:25-05:00 2016-12-13T13:05:25-05:00 SFC Michael Hasbun 2155897

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Depends on where the bomb is landing...

2016-12-13T13:08:50-05:00 2016-12-13T13:08:50-05:00 SFC Joseph Weber 2156176

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-13T14:39:20-05:00 2016-12-13T14:39:20-05:00 MSG Jay Jackson 2156484

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It&#39;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.

2016-12-13T17:00:43-05:00 2016-12-13T17:00:43-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 2156611

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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&#39;s role as a deterrent, however if it fails to deter... what do we gain by killing millions more?

2016-12-13T18:21:03-05:00 2016-12-13T18:21:03-05:00 SPC Greg K. 2157657

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you can&#39;t stand the heat.....(pun intended). You took an oath, so follow your orders or get out of the way.

2016-12-14T06:43:01-05:00 2016-12-14T06:43:01-05:00 SGM Private RallyPoint Member 2157734

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.<br /><br />But what we hope is that our people&#39;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.

2016-12-14T07:27:02-05:00 2016-12-14T07:27:02-05:00 Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen 2157771

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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&#39;s your job to carry out the orders.

2016-12-14T07:41:15-05:00 2016-12-14T07:41:15-05:00 PO1 Mike Washburne 2157838

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-14T08:10:42-05:00 2016-12-14T08:10:42-05:00 PO1 Roger Waddle 2157844

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If it was aimed at the middle East I would stand on that bitch, it saves mores lives than it takes

2016-12-14T08:14:38-05:00 2016-12-14T08:14:38-05:00 SPC John Wheeler 2157915

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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&#39;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....

2016-12-14T08:35:25-05:00 2016-12-14T08:35:25-05:00 PO2 Robert Cuminale 2157985

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>What&#39;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?

2016-12-14T08:54:45-05:00 2016-12-14T08:54:45-05:00 CPO Bill Penrod 2157986

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ask the bomber crew of WWII or Vietnam. Some time they could see the whites of the enemy&#39;s eyes.....,

2016-12-14T08:55:03-05:00 2016-12-14T08:55:03-05:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 2158070

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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

2016-12-14T09:20:09-05:00 2016-12-14T09:20:09-05:00 A1C Robert Novak 2158111

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a member of an ATLAS ICBM launch crew in the 1960&#39;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.

2016-12-14T09:29:18-05:00 2016-12-14T09:29:18-05:00 MSgt Jeff Greene 2158146

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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&#39;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?

2016-12-14T09:34:59-05:00 2016-12-14T09:34:59-05:00 Sgt Greg Puckett 2158206

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-14T09:49:19-05:00 2016-12-14T09:49:19-05:00 LCpl James Robertson 2158236

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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&#39;d say yes.

2016-12-14T09:56:29-05:00 2016-12-14T09:56:29-05:00 PO1 Jason Venema 2158411

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-14T10:41:27-05:00 2016-12-14T10:41:27-05:00 MSgt Richard Randall 2158444

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I can&#39;t speak for the Navy submariners simply because I don&#39;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.

2016-12-14T10:50:54-05:00 2016-12-14T10:50:54-05:00 CPO Zack Lindsey 2158572

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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&#39;s time. Frame just my opinion is all.

2016-12-14T11:15:33-05:00 2016-12-14T11:15:33-05:00 SPC Dennis Escobar 2158591

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would like to quote senator Zell Miller to answer your question: &quot;I say bomb the hell out of them. If there&#39;s collateral damage, so be it. They certainly found our civilians to be expendable&quot;.

2016-12-14T11:20:05-05:00 2016-12-14T11:20:05-05:00 PO2 Mark Evans 2158819

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sadly, I know I could. <br />Sometime during the height of the cold war, somewhere in the north Atlantic, in a 640 class boat.<br />We were suppose to have a WSRT (weapons system readiness test), the OOD screwed the pooch and said &quot;man battle stations missile for strategic launch&quot;, 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 &quot;just&quot; a WSRT. This remains some 35+ years later the closest thing to PTSD I have. I can&#39;t talk or write about it without a fit of emotion.

2016-12-14T12:11:30-05:00 2016-12-14T12:11:30-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 2158965

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Could You Push The Button? Not without the proper security clearance.

2016-12-14T12:48:20-05:00 2016-12-14T12:48:20-05:00 CPO David Rediger 2158990

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-14T12:54:25-05:00 2016-12-14T12:54:25-05:00 PFC Carmen A Garcia 2159153

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>At this moment my reaction would be no I couldn&#39;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.

2016-12-14T13:44:47-05:00 2016-12-14T13:44:47-05:00 LTC Ed Ross 2159168

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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,

2016-12-14T13:49:50-05:00 2016-12-14T13:49:50-05:00 Lt Col Robert Canfield 2159186

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That&#39;s a critical component of &quot;deterrence&quot;. 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 &quot;YES, I will do it.&quot;

2016-12-14T13:53:20-05:00 2016-12-14T13:53:20-05:00 SP5 Robert Ruck 2159225

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-14T14:02:19-05:00 2016-12-14T14:02:19-05:00 SP5 Robert Ruck 2159243

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-14T14:08:26-05:00 2016-12-14T14:08:26-05:00 LTC Orlando Illi 2159295

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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

2016-12-14T14:23:17-05:00 2016-12-14T14:23:17-05:00 PO3 Pj Clarke 2159398

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.<br /><br />As warfighters, we understand better than most the responsibility of control of the &quot;nuclear option&quot;. 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.

2016-12-14T15:06:42-05:00 2016-12-14T15:06:42-05:00 PO2 Paul W. 2159450

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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&#39;t think I could pull a trigger. After separation in 1969 and 14 years in law enforcement, I philosophically &amp; morally changed such that I now know sometimes pulling the trigger IS saving life!<br /><br />So, yes, I could/would push the button!

2016-12-14T15:30:11-05:00 2016-12-14T15:30:11-05:00 SPC Tommy Dean 2159507

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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&#39;d push it three or four times just to make sure it took.

2016-12-14T15:53:23-05:00 2016-12-14T15:53:23-05:00 SPC Darren Koele 2159603

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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 &quot;mortal&quot; enemy and some smaller ones as well. In those days, I would have said, &quot;Yes, kill em all&quot;. 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&#39;d like to think I would still do my duty but it&#39;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&#39;t have to think, you just do. You have a lot of destructive power under your finger, but that&#39;s something you should be prepared for prior to being in that position.

2016-12-14T16:28:11-05:00 2016-12-14T16:28:11-05:00 Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth 2159604

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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 &quot;button&quot;. 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.

2016-12-14T16:28:50-05:00 2016-12-14T16:28:50-05:00 PO1 Michael Garrett 2159619

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-14T16:33:12-05:00 2016-12-14T16:33:12-05:00 PO1 Joseph Glennon 2159835

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You&#39;re asking a solid and weighty question.<br /><br />Before I would take the job / MOS / rating that would put me in the position to do so, I&#39;d do the thinking and soul-searching - not when the order came to flick the cover, insert the key, and hit the button.<br /><br />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&#39;s duration considerably (which would also equate to millions more being able to recover from suffering and shortages more quickly).<br /><br />If we look at Hiroshima and Nagasaki today, they&#39;ve recovered (well, Japan has recovered from the loss of the population) and both cities look much more prosperous than, say, Detroit.<br /><br />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.

2016-12-14T18:35:17-05:00 2016-12-14T18:35:17-05:00 PV2 Glen Lewis 2160099

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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&#39;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.

2016-12-14T20:29:52-05:00 2016-12-14T20:29:52-05:00 SFC Jeffrey Couch 2160342

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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

2016-12-14T22:05:43-05:00 2016-12-14T22:05:43-05:00 MSgt Ronnie Kelly 2160410

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-14T22:30:57-05:00 2016-12-14T22:30:57-05:00 CWO2 Richard Rose 2160422

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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&#39;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&#39;t worry about, nor question.

2016-12-14T22:39:56-05:00 2016-12-14T22:39:56-05:00 LTC Bob Forrest 2160818

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-15T06:07:22-05:00 2016-12-15T06:07:22-05:00 CW4 Don Conlan 2161149

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No

2016-12-15T08:41:59-05:00 2016-12-15T08:41:59-05:00 SN Michael Smith 2161151

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-15T08:43:20-05:00 2016-12-15T08:43:20-05:00 1SG Patrick Sims 2161310

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I recall a news reporter in the 60&#39;s who once said-&quot;I&#39;d rather live on my knees, than die on my feet.&quot;---You&#39;re protecting millions of Americans---What do you think is the right thing to do?

2016-12-15T09:33:25-05:00 2016-12-15T09:33:25-05:00 PO2 Michael Dowell 2161371

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I had that job on a Trident sub, yes I would push it, you don&#39;t even think about it at the time. You practice it so many times and when it comes time you don&#39;t question it you just do it. When your just cruising around punching holes in the ocean you have plenty of time to think &#39;what if&#39; but when the time comes it&#39;s pure reaction, you have to get the birds off the boat because when your in position to launch your a big target, there&#39;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&#39;t hesitate, they train just as hard and know the reality of what is happening. Yes, it&#39;s not Alpha male to push the button, it&#39;s just what you do. Glade I never did...

2016-12-15T09:58:14-05:00 2016-12-15T09:58:14-05:00 PO3 Donald Murphy 2161690

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You can go here and find out all about it....<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.usscasimirpulaski.com">http://www.usscasimirpulaski.com</a>

2016-12-15T11:55:14-05:00 2016-12-15T11:55:14-05:00 TSgt James Carson 2162033

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You have to certainly have to have allot of faith in your government and it&#39;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&#39;nt be so much John Wayne syndrome. I&#39;m NOT Putting John Wayne, the actor down. he was great. So you over sensitive people don&#39;t get your crotch in a bunch.

2016-12-15T13:18:45-05:00 2016-12-15T13:18:45-05:00 GySgt Charles O'Connell 2162474

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As the ultimate, Final Protective Fire, yes, let the birds fly.

2016-12-15T15:15:51-05:00 2016-12-15T15:15:51-05:00 SGT Glenn E Moody 2163475

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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

2016-12-15T22:05:44-05:00 2016-12-15T22:05:44-05:00 SPC Byron Skinner 2163558

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sp4 Byron Skinner If my duty (Job) was to press the launch button of a nuclear weapon I wouldn&#39;t have any problem in doing my duty. Personally I see nuclear weapons as being Militarily useless as our military did in the 1980&#39;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&#39;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&#39;s Pottery Barn theory, &quot;you broke it you bought it&quot; 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.

2016-12-15T22:41:43-05:00 2016-12-15T22:41:43-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 2165431

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No, I couldn&#39;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.

2016-12-16T14:43:58-05:00 2016-12-16T14:43:58-05:00 CAPT Walter Luthiger 2166683

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.

2016-12-16T23:52:27-05:00 2016-12-16T23:52:27-05:00 Maj Marty Hogan 2167276

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yep

2016-12-17T10:23:55-05:00 2016-12-17T10:23:55-05:00 MAJ Richard Cheek 2169970

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My job was not to launch but I did control the codes and the messaging. Too many movies about madmen getting the codes.

2016-12-18T15:01:43-05:00 2016-12-18T15:01:43-05:00 GySgt Melissa Gravila 2170694

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I used to tell my Marines, &quot;we work FOR democracy, therefore we don&#39;t work IN A democracy&quot; with that being said, we serve for the greater good. If the order was given, yes I would &quot;push the button&quot; turn the key, what have you. Semper Fi

2016-12-18T21:31:24-05:00 2016-12-18T21:31:24-05:00 PO2 Kevin LaCroix 2181100

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, but with a great deal of remorse.

2016-12-22T12:43:57-05:00 2016-12-22T12:43:57-05:00 SrA Private RallyPoint Member 2223719

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, I could. The reason being is if we need to deploy nukes, that probably means the enemy we&#39;re facing has either done something terrible to us or is about to (i.e. nuke us); or there&#39;s a situation where nukes need to be employed otherwise it could result in great loses on our end.

2017-01-06T19:43:15-05:00 2017-01-06T19:43:15-05:00 2016-12-13T02:11:06-05:00