20th Nuclear Triad Symposium

The 20th Nuclear Triad Symposium was streamed virtually live from Bossier City, LA Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST.

This virtual symposium was hosted by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies (MI), the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) and the Louisiana Tech Research Institute (LTRI).

The symposium addressed challenges the United States faces in pursuing the currently adopted nuclear modernization roadmap, with a review of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), the Columbia class submarine, the future planned bomber strategy, and the connected arms control and proliferation issues. Hypersonic technology as well as showcase the work of the symposium’s sponsors — MI, CIC, and LTRI — was also highlighted.

A major focus of the symposium was on the strategic capabilities of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). Gen. Timothy Ray, commander of AFGSC, served as keynote speaker. Retired Maj. Gen. Garrett Harencak reviewed the consequences of the post-Cold War procurement holiday. Lt. Gen. James Dawkins, deputy chief of staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters USAF, addressed nuclear modernization. Also featured was pre-recorded remarks from Lt. Gen. (Ret) Frank Klotz, RAND Corporation on the arms control environment (Click here for PDF transcript).

In addition, pre-recorded presentations from a distinguished line-up of speakers and experts includes (click on the speaker’s name to watch his presentation):

• Dr. Christopher Ford, Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation: “Issues to Watch in Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament”

  • Click here for PDF transcript

• Mark Gunzinger, Col, USAF (Ret), Director Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies: “Hypersonic Technology, Strategic Bombers and Nuclear Weapons: Resetting Deterrence”

  • Click here for PDF transcript

• John Harvey, former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs: “U.S. Nuclear Modernization—Road to 2030 and Beyond”

  • Click here for PDF transcript

• Peter Huessy, Director of Strategic Deterrent Studies at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies: “Disarmament Fallacies”

  • Click here for PDF transcript

• Ronald F. Lehman II, Counselor to the Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory: “Stability, Transparency and Risk: Arms Control Challenges for a New Era”

  • Click here for PDF transcript

• Captain Ethan Proper, USN, Missile Branch Head, Navy Strategic Systems Programs: “Columbia: An Update”

  • Click here for PDF transcript

• Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center: “Strategic Deterrence: Its Future if the Bomb Spreads”

  • Click here for PDF transcript

• Dr. Brad Thayer, Professor at the University of Texas San Antonio: “China’s Nuclear Strategy and Great Power Competition”

  • Click here for PDF transcript

• Colonel (Sel) Dan Voorhies, Air Force Global Strike Command lead on GBSD: “GBSD: An Update”

  • Click here for PDF transcript

• Drew Walter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Matters: “Overview of Strategic Nuclear Issues for the Next Administration” (View the transcript here - PDF)

For more on the 20th Nuclear Triad Symposium, below are a list of helpful links:

• 20th Nuclear Triad Symposium Live Stream

• On-Demand Speakers

• Gen. Timothy Ray Keynote

• Gen. Dawkins presentation

• Gen. Harencak presentation

• 20th Nuclear Triad Symposium Guide - PDF

• Wrap up from Breaking Defense

• Wrap up from Air Force Magazine