In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Major General Stacey Huser, the 20th Air Force Commander, about the capabilities and challenges of the ICBM leg of the nuclear triad. They discuss the history of 20th Air Force, the aging Minuteman III missiles, and the importance of maintaining and sustaining the system. They also talk about the changes in the missile career path and the opportunities for leadership in the missile community. Major General Huser emphasizes the need for proper manning and resources to ensure the operational readiness of the ICBM force.

Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser is responsible for more than 12,000 Airmen providing nuclear global strike and nuclear weapons sustainment for the U.S. Air Force.

Maj. Gen. Huser commissioned through Officer Training School in 1996 after earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from North Central College, Naperville, Illinois. She has extensive experience in space and missile operations. She has served as a space operations crew member, instructor and training manager, as well as an ICBM combat crew commander, evaluator, and chief of emergency war order plans. She also completed staff tours in the Secretary of the Air Force's Legislative Liaison Office and at United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). Maj. Gen. Huser commanded the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron, Offutt AFB, Nebraska; the 91st Missile Operations Group, Minot AFB, North Dakota; and the 90th Missile Wing at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.

Prior to her current assignment, Maj. Gen. Huser served as the Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Military Application, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. In that role, she assisted the Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs to maintain the safety, security, and reliability of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of 20th Air Force

03:27 The Challenges of Maintaining the Aging Minuteman III Missiles

08:15 Improvements in the Missile Career Path and Leadership Opportunities

16:13 Reflections on the Changes in the Past 10 Years

26:17 Three Wishes for the Missile Force

29:46 The Impact of Uncertain Budgets on the Missile Force

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