NucleCast

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther interviews Peter Huessy, a senior fellow at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, about Annie Jacobsen's book 'Nuclear War, A Scenario.' They discuss the flaws in Jacobsen's arguments and mischaracterizations of American nuclear policy. Huessy points out that Jacobsen's scenario is unrealistic and rigged to lead to all-out nuclear war. He also refutes her claims about Ronald Reagan's views on nuclear weapons. The conversation highlights the importance of deterrence in maintaining peace and the dangers of advocating for nuclear disarmament.

Mr. Huessy has been President of Geostrategic Analysis, a defense consulting firm he founded, since 1981. This organization is dedicated to analysis of the strategic nuclear posture of the United States and its nuclear-armed adversaries, particularly in support of ICBMs and US nuclear modernization. He was with the Hudson Institute as a Senior Fellow from December 2021-2023 while previously from 2011 was both a Consultant and Director of Strategic Deterrent Studies at the Air Force Association/Mitchell Institute. In August 2023, he joined the National Institute for Deterrence Studies as a Senior Fellow.

In this episode of NucleCast, Major General (Retired) Chris Adams shares his experiences flying the B-36 and B-52 aircraft and serving in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the Cold War. General Adams discusses the unique features of the B-36, including its three-pilot configuration and powerful engines. He also highlights the transition to flying the B-52, which he describes as a significant upgrade. General Adams then talks about his experience as a Minuteman missile crew commander and the disciplined culture of SAC. He emphasizes the importance of a strong military deterrent force, a stable society, and the preservation of the United States.

Chris Adams is a retired U.S. Air Force Major General, former Chief of Staff, Strategic Air Command, former Associate Director, Los Alamos National Laboratory, industry executive, and author. He has traveled the world extensively and in particular, Russia and the former Soviet States, making some 23 extended visits there alone.

His military honors include The Distinguished Service Medal, The Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Two Legions of Merit, Two Air Medals for service in combat and numerous others. He was also awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution National Medal of Honor for 2011.

He has been honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of Tarleton State University and Texas A&M University - Commerce, and has been listed in Who’s Who In America each year since 1982.

In developing his books, Adams draws on his extraordinary knowledge and experience in strategic air operations, intelligence activities and the culture of Russia and the former Soviet Union. Each work is historically based and alludes to actual events that occurred in the former Soviet Union and the United States.

In this episode, Adam Lowther interviews Joseph Bosco, a former senior Department of Defense official, who discusses the complex challenges and decisions the US faces in a world with multiple adversaries, including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Bosco emphasizes the need for strong leadership and a coordinated strategy to confront these threats. They also explore the continuous nature of war and the importance of recognizing the coordinated nature of the threats. The conversation delves into the conundrum of Taiwan and the need for strategic ambiguity in US policy. Bosco shares his wishes for an official US policy to defend Taiwan and for providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs to defend itself.

Joseph A. Bosco, a national security consultant and journalist who contributes to The Hill and Newswav, retired from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) in 2010. During his seven-year tenure, he held various portfolios, including strategic communications, Muslim outreach, East Asia security affairs, Iraq and Afghanistan coalition affairs, and disaster relief and humanitarian affairs. His work spanned diverse assignments, and he played a significant role in activities related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Regional Forum, particularly focusing on the role of regional militaries in disaster relief and humanitarian efforts. Mr. Bosco has extensive experience in the Asia-Pacific region.

Before his service at OSD, Joseph Bosco taught graduate seminars on China-Taiwan-U.S. relations in the Asian Studies Program at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. He also organized conferences on U.S.-China-Taiwan issues. Additionally, he served as a senior fellow in the Asia-Pacific Program at the Atlantic Council of the United States. His earlier career included private practice in international law and government contracts, where he was listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s Directory of Preeminent Lawyers.

In this episode, Adam and Dr. Kevin Cooney discuss the morality of nuclear weapons. They explore the concept of just war theory and its application to nuclear weapons, as well as the role of international law in regulating conflict. They delve into the historical context of the use of nuclear weapons in World War II and the ethical considerations surrounding their use. They also examine the current state of nuclear weapons and the arguments for disarmament. The conversation highlights the importance of dialogue and understanding in addressing the complex moral questions surrounding nuclear weapons.

Dr. Cooney is a dedicated professional with an extensive background in security, economics, and organizational development. He is currently serving as the second President of Wilberforce International Institute, a non-profit, working with international students to bring redemptive change and human flourishing to their home cultures.

Dr. Cooney is a Distinguished Affiliated Faculty at Regent University where he teaches graduate courses for the Robertson School of Government. He is also a Visiting Professor at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Beppu, Japan where he teaches courses on Violence, Cybersecurity Management, Strategy, and the Political economics of Asia. He has traveled extensively (58 countries to date) including time spent in the Middle East researching and studying terrorism. He was a tenured professor at Union University (TN) and later served the Director of the Pacific Rim Center at Northwest University where he held a dual appointment as Professor of both Business and Political Science.

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews US Air Force Brigadier General (ret) Rob Spalding, CEO of SEMPRE, about their 5G technology and its relevance to the nuclear enterprise. They discuss the need for resilient infrastructure in the face of natural disasters and potential EMP attacks. SEMPRE's technology aims to provide communication capabilities that can withstand such events and ensure the continuity of critical services. The deployment and functionality of SEMPRE's technology are explained, highlighting its decentralized architecture and ability to extend resiliency to existing networks. The security and accessibility of the system are also addressed. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of protecting citizens and the potential collaboration with national carriers.

Dr. Spalding is the former White House National Security Council Senior Director for Strategic Planning and served in senior positions of strategy and diplomacy within the Defense and State Departments for more than 26 years. SEMPRE is the only technology company created to protect and secure our most critical resource: data.

He was the chief architect for the widely praised 2017 National Security Strategy and the Senior Director for Strategy to the President at the National Security Council. Rob’s innovation while serving in the White House has led to a reset in national security and public policy regarding telecommunications in the US as well as globally.

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Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Santino, Commander of the 576 Flight Test Squadron, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, discusses the importance of ICBM testing and the unique mission of his squadron. He explains the process of ICBM testing and the role it plays in ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of the weapon system. Santino also addresses the need for a new Sentinel program and the challenges of sustaining the aging Minuteman III system. He shares interesting facts about the 576 Flight Test Squadron and concludes by emphasizing the importance of predictable federal budgeting and the role of testing in maintaining deterrence.

The 576th Flight Test Squadron is America’s only dedicated Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test squadron. In his role, Lt Col Santino oversees a $100 billion flight test and ground system sustainment program portfolio, and 45 personnel responsible for planning, executing, and reporting all Minuteman III and Sentinel operational test activities. Additionally, he is the principal lead for proficiency training, tactics evaluation, and mission assurance certification of squadron test team members.

In his previous assignments, Lt Col Santino was a Senate Liaison Officer assigned to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and an Air Force Legislative Fellow assigned to the U.S. House of Representatives. He also served as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commander of United States Strategic Command.

Lt Col Santino received his commission in 2007 upon graduation from the United States Air Force Academy. He is a Command Missileer and has held positions at the squadron, wing, combatant command, and Headquarters Air Force levels.

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In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Ken Myers, the former director of DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency 2009-2016), about the agency's mission and history. As a member of the Senior Executive Service, he was the fourth and longest serving director of the agency. He oversaw an annual $3 billion budget and operated simultaneously as a defense agency, combat support agency, and a Combatant Command component safeguarding America and its allies from weapons of mass destruction. Under his leadership DTRA/SCC was awarded four Joint Meritorious Unit Awards and Ken was awarded the Secretary of Defense’s Exceptional Public Service Award.

In this episode, he discusses DTRA's role as a defense agency, combat support agency, and element of the U.S. Strategic Command. He also explores DTRA's involvement in various missions, including nonproliferation, countering weapons of mass destruction, and support for the warfighter. The conversation covers the evolution of DTRA's mission, the shift of the CWMD mission from STRATCOM to SOCOM, and the role of defense support agencies in supporting the combatant commands. Myers shares his insights on the need for continued technological advancement, bipartisan support for national security, and the importance of maintaining the credibility of the U.S. nuclear weapons stock.

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Dr. Malcolm Davis discusses the Australian perspective on AUKUS, American extended deterrence, and the views of China as a potential threat. He highlights the evolving relationship between Australia and the United States, the importance of the US alliance, and the role of AUKUS in strengthening defense capabilities. Davis emphasizes the need for a realistic and balanced approach to China, recognizing its strategic ambitions and the challenges it poses to Australia's security. He also discusses concerns about US commitment and the importance of strengthening extended nuclear deterrence.

Dr. Malcolm Davis joined ASPI as a Senior Analyst in Defence Strategy and Capability in January 2016. Prior to this he was a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in China-Western Relations with the Faculty of Society and Design at Bond University from March 2012 to January 2016, and he currently retains an Honorary Assistant Professor position in the Faculty. He has worked with the Department of Defence, both in Navy Headquarters in the Strategy and Force Structure area, and with Strategic Policy Division in the Strategic Policy Guidance and Strategic External Relations and Education sections from November 2007 to March 2012. Prior to this appointment he was a Lecturer in Defence Studies with King's College London at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, in Shrivenham, UK, from June 2000 to October 2007. He holds a PhD in Strategic Studies from the University of Hull as well as two Masters degrees in Strategic Studies, including from the Australian National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre. His main research focus is on defense strategy and capability development, military technology, and the future of warfare.

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Dr. William Conwell, Deputy Associate Administrator for Budget at the National Nuclear Security Administration, discusses the importance of the budget and the challenges of managing the nuclear security enterprise. The budget is allocated to five major national security endeavors, including maintaining the nuclear weapons stockpile, reducing global nuclear threats, and strengthening science and technology capabilities. Modernizing the nuclear security infrastructure is a key focus. The budget is divided into four appropriations, with the largest portion allocated to weapons activities. The budgeting process involves working closely with the Nuclear Weapons Council and other agencies to determine requirements. Challenges include workforce recruitment and retention, accurate cost estimation, and managing organizational changes.

Dr. Conwell is the Deputy Associate Administrator for Budget at the National Nuclear Security Administration.

He is responsible for the Planning, Programming, Budget Execution, and Evaluation of NNSA’s $24 billion budget and support to the NNSA programs with cost estimating, business case analysis, and Analysis of Alternatives. His team of over 130 professionals in budget analysis, accounting standards, and general engineering and physical science are the backbone of NNSA’s efforts to maintain a safe, secure, and effective nuclear weapons stockpile; to reduce global nuclear threats; and to provide the U.S. Navy with safe, militarily-effective naval nuclear propulsion plants.

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In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Polly Keim and Caleb Yip, program analysts at NNSA, to gain insights into the perspectives and experiences of young professionals in the field. The conversation covers topics such as the fellowship program, career paths, the role of non-engineering professionals, changing perspectives in NNSA, recruiting and retaining young talent, challenges faced by young workers, and the wishes of the guests for workforce development in NNSA. 

Paulina "Polly" Keim is an early-career nuclear weapons professional in the Office of Production Operations at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). In her role, she supports production specific multi-tail workload at seven NNSA sites. She started her career in the NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program, working in the Office of Domestic Uranium Enrichment and has since joined the Federal service. Polly is also a part of the CSIS PONI Nuclear Scholars Initiative where she is engaging with senior experts on nuclear weapons issues and researching the workforce needs of the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) as it transitions from stockpile stewardship to a more responsive enterprise for the 21st century. Polly holds a Bachelor’s in Political Economy and a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Virginia (go Hoos!) In her free time, she enjoys yoga, reading, hiking, going to concerts, and playing with her cat Oppie.

Caleb Yip is a program analyst with the Office of Stockpile Sustainment (NA-122) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, which works to maintain and surveil the U.S. stockpile to ensure that the Nation’s nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, and effective. Prior to joining NNSA as a Fed, Caleb was an NNSA Graduate Fellow in the Office of Defense Programs, where he supported front-office correspondence and strategic messaging for the Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs. Caleb was a member of the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues scholars cohort last year, and is expected to publish his paper on Russian nuclear escalation dynamics in the coming months. Caleb received his Bachelor’s in Foreign Service and Master’s in Security Studies from Georgetown University. 

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