NucleCast

Dr. Bruce Goodwin, a retired Senior Laboratory Fellow in the Center for Global Security Research of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, discusses his publication 'Nuclear Weapons Technology 101 for Policy Wonks' and the importance of understanding nuclear weapons design. He emphasizes the need for technical experts to communicate effectively with policy wonks and non-technical audiences, highlighting the importance of listening and avoiding jargon. Goodwin also discusses the challenges of sustaining a credible stockpile stewardship program and attracting the best and brightest to the nuclear field. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of nuclear deterrence in maintaining peace.

From 2013 to 2016, Bruce was the Associate Director for National Security Policy Research in charge of the National Security Office (now the Office of Defense Coordination) and the Center for Global Security Research. From 2001 until 2013, he was the Principal Associate Director of the Nuclear Weapons Program at LLNL. Before that he was a nuclear weapons designer.

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Congressman Chris Stewart discusses his experience in Congress and the dynamics of nuclear policy. He highlights the importance of committees and the role they play in shaping policy. He explains the responsibility of different committees for nuclear forces and the challenges of advocating for the nuclear arsenal as well as the debate between defense spending and other budget priorities.

Chris Stewart served Utah in Congress for over a decade and became a senior member on both the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Appropriations Committee. He is a multiple New York Times best-selling and national award-winning author, world-record-setting Air Force pilot, and the former owner and CEO of a small business.

Chris is one of ten children and grew up on a dairy farm in Cache Valley. He graduated from Utah State University, where he earned his degree in economics. Upon graduation, Chris joined the United States Air Force where he was the Distinguished Graduate (top of his class) in both Officer Training School and Undergraduate Pilot Training. He served for fourteen years as a pilot in the Air Force, flying both rescue helicopters and the B-1B bomber. He holds three world speed records, including the world’s record for the fastest non-stop flight around the world.

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Dr. Jim Howe, a consultant in the space industry, talks about nuclear propulsion in space. He discusses the history of nuclear propulsion, current developments, and the advantages of nuclear rockets. Dr. Howe highlights the need for continued bipartisan support and the importance of nuclear technology for domestic and terrestrial applications. He also emphasizes the potential of nuclear propulsion for space exploration and the need for high standards of accountability and performance.

Dr. Howe has extensive experience in nuclear energy, national and homeland security, policymaking, and communications. He has spent the last 14 years working in the nuclear industry, where he has been deeply involved in the development and commercialization of advanced nuclear reactors and uranium enrichment technology. Jim has collaborated with numerous partners in Congress, the executive branch, trade associations, and industry, in the U.S. and internationally.

Jim holds a PhD from the University of Leicester, with his dissertation titled Atomic Space: A History and Analysis of U.S. policy for the development of nuclear space propulsion and power technologies. He is a distinguished graduate of the Marine Corps War College, where he earned a masters degree in strategic studies, and has also earned graduate degrees in space studies and government. Jim is the author of Red Crew: Fighting the War on Drugs with Reagan’s Coast Guard and has had numerous articles published in defense- and space-related professional journals.

Prior to his private sector experiences, Jim served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, with 11 years at sea and five in command of Coast Guard cutters. He retired at the rank of Captain (O-6). Jim also served at the Department of Homeland Security and as a policy advisor to the Vice President of the United States.

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In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther interviews Joe Buff, an MIT-trained mathematician and author, about applying actuarial sciences to nuclear deterrence. The conversation explores the prediction of human behavior in deterrence, the application of actuarial sciences to improve deterrence strategies, and the importance of vetting assumptions in deterrence models. Joe Buff also shares his three wishes related to the topics discussed: the need for Americans to know and care about nuclear deterrence, building the right workforce for deterrence efforts, and ensuring a smooth modernization process. The episode concludes with a comprehensive look at deterrence in the 21st century.

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In this episode of NucleCast, guest Matthew Sermon, the Executive Director of the Program Executive Office Strategic Submarines, discusses the future of ballistic missile submarines. He describes the status of the future submarine program, the differences between the Ohio and Columbia class submarines, considerations for cost and schedule, challenges with the industrial base, additive manufacturing in submarine construction, addressing corrosion and coatings, and the importance of submarine construction for national security. Matt shares his three wishes for the future, including national outreach programs, workforce retention and upskilling, and the urgency and agility in transitioning to advanced manufacturing.

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In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Bryan Bender, VP for Communication Strategy at SMI and a contributor to Politico magazine. They explore the barriers to entry and the challenges faced by young people interested in nuclear issues. The conversation delves into the perspectives of the arms control community and the concerns they have about the collapse of arms control frameworks.

Takeaways:

• The nuclear field lacks the brainpower needed to address complex and dangerous issues.
• There are divergent views on nuclear issues, with some advocating for enhancing the nuclear deterrent and others calling for arms control and disarmament.
• There are barriers to entry in the nuclear field, including difficulties in getting government positions and a lack of training grounds and career pathways.
• The arms control community is concerned about the collapse of arms control frameworks and the need to revive guardrails in the nuclear age.
• Increasing awareness of the importance of nuclear weapons, successful development of the replacement ICBM, and clearer heads in Moscow and Beijing are important goals for the nuclear field.

Bryan Bender is an experienced journalist and communicator with an extensive network in the national security and foreign policy communities, think tanks, trade associations and the private sector.

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Brad Gericke discusses international affairs and national security, specifically focusing on the situation leading up to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. He shares his insights and assessments of the events and the consensus among intelligence agencies.

Takeaways:

• The conversation explores the international affairs and national security context leading up to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
• Brad Gericke provides insights and assessments of the situation based on his role as the G35 of the Army.
• There was a consensus among intelligence agencies that the Russian forces were likely to invade Ukraine.

Brad holds a doctorate from Vanderbilt University and is a graduate of the National War College. Most recently Brad served as the Army’s longest-tenured Senior Strategist and Chief of Plans, Brad exercised wide-ranging and global responsibilities across the Army.

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Dr. Alex Littlefield discusses China's aspirations to become a regional and global hegemon, with a focus on its relationship with Taiwan. He explains China's historical claim to Taiwan and the cultural differences between the two regions. Dr. Littlefield also highlights China's expansionist goals beyond Taiwan and its desire to unify various groups under its leadership. He discusses the perception of Taiwan's democracy among Chinese people and the challenges China faces in terms of time constraints and demographics. Dr. Littlefield emphasizes the need for deterrence and the potential consequences of a Taiwan invasion. He also addresses the possibility of Taiwan developing nuclear weapons and the complexities of China's political economy and imperial ambitions.

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This episode features Dave Rehbein, a retired Army FA-52 nuclear officer, about the differences between tactical and strategic nuclear weapons. They discuss the misconception that all nuclear weapons are the same and explore the effects and scale of different types of nuclear weapons. They also touch on the importance of understanding radiation and fallout, as well as the potential scenarios in which tactical nuclear weapons may be employed. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the W76-2 and the need for a clear definition of tactical nuclear weapons.

Takeaways:

• There are significant differences between tactical and strategic nuclear weapons, including their effects, scale, and intended use.
• Understanding radiation and fallout is crucial in assessing the impact of nuclear weapons.
• Tactical nuclear weapons can be employed in specific scenarios to achieve strategic objectives.
• The W76-2, while providing a low-yield option, has limitations in terms of delivery and responsiveness.

Prior to becoming an independent consultant, Dave was the primary technical liaison for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) at the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) at Offutt AFB, NE. He served in that capacity for 15 years. Dave joined LLNL after retiring from the U.S. Army. He was a Corps of Engineers officer with specialized expertise in Nuclear Operations and Research. His areas of expertise are nuclear weapons technology, weapons effects, and deterrence theory. In his final active-duty Army assignment Dave served as the Commander of the US Army Element of US Strategic Command and as the Chief of Force Assessments at USSTRATCOM.

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In this episode of NucleCast, the importance of professional writing and publishing in the military is discussed. The guests, Dr. Ernest Gunasekara-Rockwell and Dr. Laura Thurston-Goodrow, highlight the role of journals in bridging the gap between military and civilian academia. They emphasize the unique value of military professional journals in providing a platform for applied research and analysis. The Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs is highlighted as a niche publication that aims to drive the narrative and prescribe policy for decision-makers in the Indo-Pacific region. The guests also discuss the importance of professional journals in fostering critical thinking and engaging with allies and adversaries. The episode concludes with a discussion on the areas of interest for journal submissions and the future of professional journals.

Dr. Ernest Gunasekara-Rockwell is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs

Laura Thurston Goodroe, DLS is the Editor in Chief, Æther: A Journal of Strategic Airpower & Spacepower and Air & Space Operations Review

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