In a new paper, the Congressional Research Service is unwavering in its view that a conventional ICBM would be of little value. As it did last fall, CRS notes that lawmakers and others maintain skepticism due to the historic association of the missiles with nuclear strike, despite the Pentagon’s push toward new “prompt global strike” platforms. CRS does credit the Air Force for attempting to reduce the once-a-nuke-always-a-nuke attitude by developing alternative basing and cooperative measures. CRS also notes that USAF would rename the ICBMs—retired Minuteman and Peacekeeper missiles—used in a conventional mode as Minotaur II and Minotaur III. Despite offering a low-cost, near-term solution for prompt global strike, CRS maintains conventional ICBMs “might provide the United States with more capability than it needs under most circumstances, while, at the same time, raising the possibility that their use might be misinterpreted.”
The program executive officers for some of the Air Force’s largest acquisition management organizations are struggling to deal with an exodus of senior talent and experienced civilian staff, three of them told an industry conference.
