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NIDS 102 - Intro to the US Strategic Nuclear Triad

John Smith

Lead Project Manager

The U.S. strategic nuclear triad is a brilliantly conceived force posture that blends nuclear capability from the land, sea, and air to provide a credibly responsive, survivable, and flexible deterrent. Understanding how this 24/7 arrangement has been so successful in keeping the peace for 80 years is key to understanding the mechanisms of deterrence.

Why should I take this course?

The course introduces and orients novices and professionals alike on the U.S. strategic nuclear triad, as well as its "4th leg," nuclear command and control. This course reviews the history of the triad, its organizations, and surveys the systems, purpose, and attributes of each triad leg.

Course Contents:

narrated PowerPoint video lectures
NIDS nuclear knowledge podcast lesson
informative videos
selected readings
end-of-course quiz
end of course certificate
complete the course in about 3 hours

your instructor

Curtis McGiffin serves as the Vice President for Education and Co-founder of the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. His expertise encompasses deterrence theory education, grand strategy, and strategic triad operations. Colonel McGiffin retired after more than 26 years of service in the US Air Force as an aviator, commander, staff officer, and educator, primarily supporting the USAF’s nuclear enterprise. Additionally, Curtis teaches deterrence theory at a major university's graduate and doctoral levels.

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Photo by Airman Collin Schmidt - 2016