The Pentagon Tuesday issued a two-page fact sheet on the nuclear posture review that is underway with the intent of establishing US nuclear deterrence policy, strategy, and force posture for the next five to 10 years. It will also provide a basis for negotiations with Russia on additional nuclear force reductions. An unclassified report with the findings of the review will be submitted to Congress in December, along with the quadrennial defense review, which commenced in April. Primary Defense Department responsibility for conducting the NPR resides with the under secretary of defense for policy and the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. There are four working groups for the review: policy and strategy; capabilities, force structure and programs; nuclear weapon stockpile and infrastructure; and international dimensions. The Pentagon says it is in direct consultation with the Secretary of Energy and Secretary of State during the review.
The use of a military counter-drone laser on the southwest border this week—which prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to abruptly close the airspace over El Paso, Texas—will be a “case study” on the complex web of authorities needed to employ such weapons near civilian areas and the consequences of agencies…
