Concept of Operations for Limited War with a Nuclear-Armed Third World Concept

摘要

A concept of operations is constructed for fighting a limited war with a nuclear-armed Third World opponent, a nuclear contingency. Additionally, this paper assesses the likelihood of nuclear contingency and explores the special problems it poses to the planner. Chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction are not addressed. Nuclear contingency is a likely scenario. U.S. policy and Third World nuclear capabilities are on a collision course. Traditional deterrence and ballistic missile defenses are, insufficient to prevent an enemy from using nuclear weapons against U.S. forces. Scenario unpredictability, force and commitment asymmetry, deployment and logistics vulnerability, and protection of a conventional offensive are serious problems associated with nuclear contingency. The proposed operational concept consists of a three-phased major operation to destroy the enemy nuclear capability. The major conclusion of the paper is that given the likelihood of a nuclear contingency, it's now time to plan, equip, and train for it. A JCS review of long-range strike aircraft acquisition and nuclear training programs is recommended. Doctrine for nuclear contingency operations should be consolidated in a single joint publication.... Limited nuclear war, Escalation control, Contingency operations, Operational concept, Deterrence.