Although it was little noticed, on Thursday, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis visited U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. STRATCOM is responsible for U.S. nuclear strike and missile defense capabilities.
By visiting Offutt, Mattis sends a quiet message of deterrence to North Korea, but also to China, Iran, and Russia. The retired Marine general knows that the only effective way to deter nuclear strikes is to remind adversaries that the U.S. will act with overwhelming force if necessary. In short, they must be more confident in our ability to destroy them than in their ability to destroy us.
Nevertheless, it’s also likely that Mattis was at Strategic Command to receive an update on plans relating to North Korea. Mattis has mentioned that President Trump wishes to be briefed on the range of U.S. Military capabilities and plans vis-à-vis North Korea, and nuclear options are a part of this package. Yes, the consequences of any nuclear strike would be catastrophic, but as the president’s chief civilian defense adviser and Trump’s confirmation partner in authorizing nuclear weapons usage, Mattis must be able to confidently tell his boss “we’re ready to go, sir.” Considering North Korea’s hyper-unpredictable leader, this concern is as significant as ever.
That said, in the context of the scandals that afflicted U.S. nuclear forces in 2007 and 2008, when the Air Force unwittingly flew a nuclear warhead across the nation, it’s equally important that Mattis keeps STRATCOM on its toes.
I recognize that some might find it unpleasant to see a civilian leader visiting a nuclear command post, but I find it reassuring. The showdown with North Korea requires our leaders’ mental and personal preparation for doomsday scenarios. Absent preparation, if decisive action is one day required, they might blink.
