NucleCast

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam and Colonel Curtis McGiffin discuss the need for an AI-enabled NC3 system with a dead hand. They argue that the current NC3 system and the decision-making process have significant problems that need to be addressed and propose using AI tools to enhance the decision-making process and improve the speed and effectiveness of the system. They also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of such a system and its importance for deterrence. The conversation highlights the need for the United States to modernize its nuclear command and control capabilities and consider new approaches to ensure the effectiveness of its deterrent. Curtis McGiffin is the Vice President for Education and Co-founder of the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. His areas of expertise are deterrence theory education, grand strategy, and strategic triad operations. He also serves on the teaching faculty of the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies at Missouri State University, where he teaches graduate and doctorate courses in deterrence theory and grand strategy. Previously, he was the Associate Dean of the School of Strategic Force Studies at the Air Force Institute of Technology, where he led a robust portfolio of USAF professional continuing education programs supporting the AF nuclear enterprise. He also was the Executive Director of the Louisiana Tech Research Institute, where he designed and developed a catalog of Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications curriculum and courses for Air Force Global Strike Command’s workforce. Colonel McGiffin retired with over 26 years of experience in the USAF as an aviator, commander, staff officer, and educator, most of which was supporting the USAF’s nuclear enterprise. Prior to his retirement from active duty, Colonel McGiffin was the Associate Dean of Faculty and Assistant Professor of Strategy and Deterrence at the National War College in Washington DC. He has served on the Joint Staff, HQ AF staff, and combatant command staff, as a squadron commander, and as the senior advisor to Iraq’s military Vice Chief of Staff. He was a Master Navigator and flight instructor with 2,750 flight hours in the E-4B, EC-135, KC-135 and T-43 aircraft. He has been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, a Legion of Merit, and two Aerial Achievement Medals. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

In this episode of NucleCast, Dr. Kyle Balzer discusses three topics: the submarine launch cruise missile (SLCM-N), the origins of tailored deterrence, and the concept of hedging the hedge. SLCM-N is seen as a missing piece in the US nuclear posture, providing regional presence, promptness to respond, widespread deployment, and complicating adversary defense planning. Tailored deterrence, which dates back to the Cold War, involves understanding the values and priorities of adversaries to deter them effectively. Hedging, or maintaining extra warheads, is crucial in a complex and unpredictable threat environment. The conversation emphasizes the need for intelligence on adversary thinking, bipartisan support for SLCM-N, and continued debate and implementation of nuclear strategies. Kyle Balzer is a Jeane Kirkpatrick Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he specializes in US nuclear strategy and policy. He is currently working on a book project, The Revivalist: James R. Schlesinger and the Rebirth of Cold War U.S. Nuclear Strategy. It examines the origins of diagnostic net assessment and competitive nuclear strategies. His work has been published in Breaking Defense, National Review Online, The Hill, The National Interest, and War on the Rocks. Kyle holds a Ph.D. in US diplomatic history from Ohio University, where he studied the relationship between American grand strategy and nuclear deterrence policy. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Dr. Amit Gupta discusses the Indian and Pakistani nuclear weapons programs and their relations with China. The Indian nuclear program was driven by the desire for autonomy and the need to showcase scientific ability. The Pakistanis pursued nuclear weapons as a deterrent against India's conventional advantage. Both countries have developed their nuclear capabilities over the years, with India having a 'no first use' policy and Pakistan adopting a more ambiguous stance. The Indian perspective on China is shaped by a history of border disputes and a desire to counter China's growing military capabilities. India seeks to build an economic partnership with the United States, revamp its defense production, and engage in dialogue with China. Amit Gupta is a Senior Advisor to the Forum of Federations, Ottawa, Canada. He has previously on the faculty of the USAF Air War College. He is the author, co-author or editor of eight books including, Building an Arsenal: The Evolution of Regional Power Force Structures (Praeger), Global Security Watch—India (Praeger), Strategic Stability in Asia, (Ashgate), and Air Forces: Next Generation (Howgate). In the realm of popular culture, he has written in academic journals and magazines on Doctor Who, Diego Maradona, The Defenders, Star Trek, international cricket, and the globalization of Sports. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther interviews Peter Huessy, a senior fellow at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, about Annie Jacobsen's book 'Nuclear War, A Scenario.' They discuss the flaws in Jacobsen's arguments and mischaracterizations of American nuclear policy. Huessy points out that Jacobsen's scenario is unrealistic and rigged to lead to all-out nuclear war. He also refutes her claims about Ronald Reagan's views on nuclear weapons. The conversation highlights the importance of deterrence in maintaining peace and the dangers of advocating for nuclear disarmament. Mr. Huessy has been President of Geostrategic Analysis, a defense consulting firm he founded, since 1981. This organization is dedicated to analysis of the strategic nuclear posture of the United States and its nuclear-armed adversaries, particularly in support of ICBMs and US nuclear modernization. He was with the Hudson Institute as a Senior Fellow from December 2021-2023 while previously from 2011 was both a Consultant and Director of Strategic Deterrent Studies at the Air Force Association/Mitchell Institute. In August 2023, he joined the National Institute for Deterrence Studies as a Senior Fellow.

In this episode of NucleCast, Major General (Retired) Chris Adams shares his experiences flying the B-36 and B-52 aircraft and serving in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the Cold War. General Adams discusses the unique features of the B-36, including its three-pilot configuration and powerful engines. He also highlights the transition to flying the B-52, which he describes as a significant upgrade. General Adams then talks about his experience as a Minuteman missile crew commander and the disciplined culture of SAC. He emphasizes the importance of a strong military deterrent force, a stable society, and the preservation of the United States. Chris Adams is a retired U.S. Air Force Major General, former Chief of Staff, Strategic Air Command, former Associate Director, Los Alamos National Laboratory, industry executive, and author. He has traveled the world extensively and in particular, Russia and the former Soviet States, making some 23 extended visits there alone. His military honors include The Distinguished Service Medal, The Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Two Legions of Merit, Two Air Medals for service in combat and numerous others. He was also awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution National Medal of Honor for 2011. He has been honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of Tarleton State University and Texas A&M University - Commerce, and has been listed in Who’s Who In America each year since 1982. In developing his books, Adams draws on his extraordinary knowledge and experience in strategic air operations, intelligence activities and the culture of Russia and the former Soviet Union. Each work is historically based and alludes to actual events that occurred in the former Soviet Union and the United States.

In this episode, Adam Lowther interviews Joseph Bosco, a former senior Department of Defense official, who discusses the complex challenges and decisions the US faces in a world with multiple adversaries, including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Bosco emphasizes the need for strong leadership and a coordinated strategy to confront these threats. They also explore the continuous nature of war and the importance of recognizing the coordinated nature of the threats. The conversation delves into the conundrum of Taiwan and the need for strategic ambiguity in US policy. Bosco shares his wishes for an official US policy to defend Taiwan and for providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs to defend itself. Joseph A. Bosco, a national security consultant and journalist who contributes to The Hill and Newswav, retired from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) in 2010. During his seven-year tenure, he held various portfolios, including strategic communications, Muslim outreach, East Asia security affairs, Iraq and Afghanistan coalition affairs, and disaster relief and humanitarian affairs. His work spanned diverse assignments, and he played a significant role in activities related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Regional Forum, particularly focusing on the role of regional militaries in disaster relief and humanitarian efforts. Mr. Bosco has extensive experience in the Asia-Pacific region. Before his service at OSD, Joseph Bosco taught graduate seminars on China-Taiwan-U.S. relations in the Asian Studies Program at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. He also organized conferences on U.S.-China-Taiwan issues. Additionally, he served as a senior fellow in the Asia-Pacific Program at the Atlantic Council of the United States. His earlier career included private practice in international law and government contracts, where he was listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s Directory of Preeminent Lawyers.

In this episode, Adam and Dr. Kevin Cooney discuss the morality of nuclear weapons. They explore the concept of just war theory and its application to nuclear weapons, as well as the role of international law in regulating conflict. They delve into the historical context of the use of nuclear weapons in World War II and the ethical considerations surrounding their use. They also examine the current state of nuclear weapons and the arguments for disarmament. The conversation highlights the importance of dialogue and understanding in addressing the complex moral questions surrounding nuclear weapons. Dr. Cooney is a dedicated professional with an extensive background in security, economics, and organizational development. He is currently serving as the second President of Wilberforce International Institute, a non-profit, working with international students to bring redemptive change and human flourishing to their home cultures. Dr. Cooney is a Distinguished Affiliated Faculty at Regent University where he teaches graduate courses for the Robertson School of Government. He is also a Visiting Professor at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Beppu, Japan where he teaches courses on Violence, Cybersecurity Management, Strategy, and the Political economics of Asia. He has traveled extensively (58 countries to date) including time spent in the Middle East researching and studying terrorism. He was a tenured professor at Union University (TN) and later served the Director of the Pacific Rim Center at Northwest University where he held a dual appointment as Professor of both Business and Political Science.

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews US Air Force Brigadier General (ret) Rob Spalding, CEO of SEMPRE, about their 5G technology and its relevance to the nuclear enterprise. They discuss the need for resilient infrastructure in the face of natural disasters and potential EMP attacks. SEMPRE's technology aims to provide communication capabilities that can withstand such events and ensure the continuity of critical services. The deployment and functionality of SEMPRE's technology are explained, highlighting its decentralized architecture and ability to extend resiliency to existing networks. The security and accessibility of the system are also addressed. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of protecting citizens and the potential collaboration with national carriers. Dr. Spalding is the former White House National Security Council Senior Director for Strategic Planning and served in senior positions of strategy and diplomacy within the Defense and State Departments for more than 26 years. SEMPRE is the only technology company created to protect and secure our most critical resource: data. He was the chief architect for the widely praised 2017 National Security Strategy and the Senior Director for Strategy to the President at the National Security Council. Rob’s innovation while serving in the White House has led to a reset in national security and public policy regarding telecommunications in the US as well as globally. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Santino, Commander of the 576 Flight Test Squadron, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, discusses the importance of ICBM testing and the unique mission of his squadron. He explains the process of ICBM testing and the role it plays in ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of the weapon system. Santino also addresses the need for a new Sentinel program and the challenges of sustaining the aging Minuteman III system. He shares interesting facts about the 576 Flight Test Squadron and concludes by emphasizing the importance of predictable federal budgeting and the role of testing in maintaining deterrence. The 576th Flight Test Squadron is America’s only dedicated Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test squadron. In his role, Lt Col Santino oversees a $100 billion flight test and ground system sustainment program portfolio, and 45 personnel responsible for planning, executing, and reporting all Minuteman III and Sentinel operational test activities. Additionally, he is the principal lead for proficiency training, tactics evaluation, and mission assurance certification of squadron test team members. In his previous assignments, Lt Col Santino was a Senate Liaison Officer assigned to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and an Air Force Legislative Fellow assigned to the U.S. House of Representatives. He also served as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commander of United States Strategic Command. Lt Col Santino received his commission in 2007 upon graduation from the United States Air Force Academy. He is a Command Missileer and has held positions at the squadron, wing, combatant command, and Headquarters Air Force levels. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Ken Myers, the former director of DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency 2009-2016), about the agency's mission and history. As a member of the Senior Executive Service, he was the fourth and longest serving director of the agency. He oversaw an annual $3 billion budget and operated simultaneously as a defense agency, combat support agency, and a Combatant Command component safeguarding America and its allies from weapons of mass destruction. Under his leadership DTRA/SCC was awarded four Joint Meritorious Unit Awards and Ken was awarded the Secretary of Defense’s Exceptional Public Service Award. In this episode, he discusses DTRA's role as a defense agency, combat support agency, and element of the U.S. Strategic Command. He also explores DTRA's involvement in various missions, including nonproliferation, countering weapons of mass destruction, and support for the warfighter. The conversation covers the evolution of DTRA's mission, the shift of the CWMD mission from STRATCOM to SOCOM, and the role of defense support agencies in supporting the combatant commands. Myers shares his insights on the need for continued technological advancement, bipartisan support for national security, and the importance of maintaining the credibility of the U.S. nuclear weapons stock. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Dr. Malcolm Davis discusses the Australian perspective on AUKUS, American extended deterrence, and the views of China as a potential threat. He highlights the evolving relationship between Australia and the United States, the importance of the US alliance, and the role of AUKUS in strengthening defense capabilities. Davis emphasizes the need for a realistic and balanced approach to China, recognizing its strategic ambitions and the challenges it poses to Australia's security. He also discusses concerns about US commitment and the importance of strengthening extended nuclear deterrence. Dr. Malcolm Davis joined ASPI as a Senior Analyst in Defence Strategy and Capability in January 2016. Prior to this he was a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in China-Western Relations with the Faculty of Society and Design at Bond University from March 2012 to January 2016, and he currently retains an Honorary Assistant Professor position in the Faculty. He has worked with the Department of Defence, both in Navy Headquarters in the Strategy and Force Structure area, and with Strategic Policy Division in the Strategic Policy Guidance and Strategic External Relations and Education sections from November 2007 to March 2012. Prior to this appointment he was a Lecturer in Defence Studies with King's College London at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, in Shrivenham, UK, from June 2000 to October 2007. He holds a PhD in Strategic Studies from the University of Hull as well as two Masters degrees in Strategic Studies, including from the Australian National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre. His main research focus is on defense strategy and capability development, military technology, and the future of warfare. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Dr. William Conwell, Deputy Associate Administrator for Budget at the National Nuclear Security Administration, discusses the importance of the budget and the challenges of managing the nuclear security enterprise. The budget is allocated to five major national security endeavors, including maintaining the nuclear weapons stockpile, reducing global nuclear threats, and strengthening science and technology capabilities. Modernizing the nuclear security infrastructure is a key focus. The budget is divided into four appropriations, with the largest portion allocated to weapons activities. The budgeting process involves working closely with the Nuclear Weapons Council and other agencies to determine requirements. Challenges include workforce recruitment and retention, accurate cost estimation, and managing organizational changes. Dr. Conwell is the Deputy Associate Administrator for Budget at the National Nuclear Security Administration. He is responsible for the Planning, Programming, Budget Execution, and Evaluation of NNSA’s $24 billion budget and support to the NNSA programs with cost estimating, business case analysis, and Analysis of Alternatives. His team of over 130 professionals in budget analysis, accounting standards, and general engineering and physical science are the backbone of NNSA’s efforts to maintain a safe, secure, and effective nuclear weapons stockpile; to reduce global nuclear threats; and to provide the U.S. Navy with safe, militarily-effective naval nuclear propulsion plants. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Polly Keim and Caleb Yip, program analysts at NNSA, to gain insights into the perspectives and experiences of young professionals in the field. The conversation covers topics such as the fellowship program, career paths, the role of non-engineering professionals, changing perspectives in NNSA, recruiting and retaining young talent, challenges faced by young workers, and the wishes of the guests for workforce development in NNSA. Paulina "Polly" Keim is an early-career nuclear weapons professional in the Office of Production Operations at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). In her role, she supports production specific multi-tail workload at seven NNSA sites. She started her career in the NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program, working in the Office of Domestic Uranium Enrichment and has since joined the Federal service. Polly is also a part of the CSIS PONI Nuclear Scholars Initiative where she is engaging with senior experts on nuclear weapons issues and researching the workforce needs of the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) as it transitions from stockpile stewardship to a more responsive enterprise for the 21st century. Polly holds a Bachelor’s in Political Economy and a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Virginia (go Hoos!) In her free time, she enjoys yoga, reading, hiking, going to concerts, and playing with her cat Oppie. Caleb Yip is a program analyst with the Office of Stockpile Sustainment (NA-122) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, which works to maintain and surveil the U.S. stockpile to ensure that the Nation’s nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, and effective. Prior to joining NNSA as a Fed, Caleb was an NNSA Graduate Fellow in the Office of Defense Programs, where he supported front-office correspondence and strategic messaging for the Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs. Caleb was a member of the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues scholars cohort last year, and is expected to publish his paper on Russian nuclear escalation dynamics in the coming months. Caleb received his Bachelor’s in Foreign Service and Master’s in Security Studies from Georgetown University. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Retired senior intelligence officer Nick Eftimiades discusses China's whole of society approach to espionage and its impact on national security. He highlights the methods used by China, such as theft of technology, trade secrets, and covert influence operations. Eftimiades explains the reasons for ignoring Chinese espionage in the past and the need for a fundamental restructuring of the approach to counter it. He emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness and education in critical infrastructure industries and the need for an integrated national response to China's activities. Eftimiades concludes by urging listeners to take the long-term security interests of the country seriously. Nicholas Eftimiades is a nonresident senior fellow at theForward Defense practice of the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Eftimiades currently holds an appointment with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, National Intelligence Council, and has held appointments with the Defense Science Board and the Homeland Security Advisory Council’s Subcommittee on Economic Security. He is also a professor at the Penn State University Homeland Security Programs and is a member of the graduate faculty teaching homeland security, intelligence, and national security policy. He conducts research on China’s economic espionage and emerging space threats. Eftimiades retired from a thirty-four-year government career including employment at the US Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, and Defense Intelligence Agency. He is widely regarded for his expertise on China and national security space issues. As a subject matter expert, he has testified before congressional committees and briefed numerous senior US and foreign officials, members of Congress, and staff. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Rebecca Heinrichs discusses the aftermath of the Strategic Posture Commission's report and the lack of media coverage. She highlights the broad agreement on the threat assessment and the need for the United States to address the deteriorating threat environment. Heinrichs also discusses the interest from allies in Europe and Asia to contribute to the deterrence mission. She addresses misconceptions about arms races and escalation, emphasizing the importance of nuclear deterrence. Heinrichs argues for the affordability of nuclear defense and the need for better integration between US Strategic Command and regional combatant commands. Rebeccah L. Heinrichs is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute and the director of its Keystone Defense Initiative. She specializes in US national defense policy with a focus on strategic deterrence. Ms. Heinrichs currently serves as a commissioner on the bipartisan Strategic Posture Commission, which was created in the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. She also serves on the US Strategic Command Advisory Group and the National Independent Panel on Military Service and Readiness. She is an adjunct professor at the Institute of World Politics where she teaches nuclear deterrence theory and is also a contributing editor of Providence: A Journal of Christianity and American Foreign Policy. Ms. Heinrichs earned her MA in national security and strategic studies from the US Naval War College and graduated with highest distinction from its College of Naval Command and Staff, receiving the Director’s Award for academic excellence. She earned her BA in history and political science from Ashland University in Ohio, was an Ashbrook Scholar, and currently serves as a member of the University's Board of Trustees. She is enrolled at Missouri State University pursuing her doctorate of defense and strategic studies. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Drysdale “Dale” H. Hernandez is the Chief Learning Officer (CLO) for Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command where he serves as the Chief, Force Development Division in the Directorate of Manpower and Personnel. In this position he serves as the primary advisor to the MAJCOM Commander on all Learning Strategy issues. His A1D Division plans, develops, and directs advisory and support services for command-wide Professional Development. In this episode, Colonel retired Hernandez discusses the importance of education in Air Force Global Strike Command and the efforts made to develop and educate strikers. Global Strike Command was created in 2009 to address the atrophy of nuclear expertise in the Air Force. The command offers over 20 courses and has invested over $23 million in the development of strikers. The education programs aim to build courageous problem solvers capable of critical thinking and problem-solving. The command also focuses on leadership development and strategic stability through a credible long-range strike force. Mr. Hernandez was raised in El Paso, Texas and was commissioned in 1991 as a graduate of The University of Texas at El Paso’s Air Force ROTC program. His Masters-level education includes degrees in Human Resources Management and Administration from Webster’s University, Military Operational Arts and Science from Air University, and Strategic Studies from the Army War College. Mr. Hernandez began his professional career in 1992 as the Chief of Social Actions at Griffiss AFB, NY. His Air Force career included multiple deployments, staff positions at Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces in Africa, Headquarters U.S. Air Force and The Joint Staff. He has served as the 48th Mission Support Squadron Commander at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom and as the 52d Mission Support Group Commander at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam Lowther interviews Whitney Jones. She is the Director, Submarine Industrial Base (SIB), a component of the Navy’s (DON) Program Executive Office, Strategic Submarines (PEO SSBN). about the workforce challenges in submarine construction. They discuss the unique challenges of building submarines, the need for skilled tradespeople, and the efforts to recruit and retain a skilled workforce. They also address the impact of high cost of living areas on workforce development and the importance of leveraging technology for workforce training. As Director of SIB, Ms. Jones is responsible for leading enterprise efforts to develop and deploy the industrial base capacity and capability required to build and sustain submarine warfighting needs. In this capacity, Ms. Jones is accountable for collaborative efforts across defense workforce, technology, infrastructure development, process change, and data analytics. Her role focuses on fostering relationships between Navy and industry to improve communications, industrial processes, and capacity planning. Before assuming the role as Director in February 2022, Ms. Jones served as Deputy, Shipbuilding Industrial Base Task Force, where she leveraged her shipbuilding acquisition and supply chain experience to coordinate cross-enterprise projects and oversee strategic communications. She also led Navy Enterprise response, engagement, and assessment of the impacts of COVID-19 on the defense industrial base, working closely with industry to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on key suppliers by maintaining defense supply chains as part of “critical infrastructure” exempt from work stoppages. Additionally, she served as the submarine enterprise lead for a Columbia (CLB) and Virginia Submarine (VCS) Industrial Base assessment with Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) Cost Assessment Program Evaluation (CAPE). During this same time period, she implemented submarine enterprise efforts on benchmark setting workforce development pilots including Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) and the Pennsylvania Talent Pipeline Project. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Jim Stokes, Director of Nuclear Policy at NATO, discusses NATO's nuclear policy and the nuclear mission in Europe. He covers various topics, including the relevance of NATO nuclear policy, the role and implications of the Nuclear Planning Group (NPG), efforts to improve the NATO deterrent, the policy issue of establishing an adversary, challenges for allies in nuclear policy, NATO's approach to the China challenge, and the challenge of unilateral disarmament. Jim Stokes became the NATO Director of Nuclear Policy in November 2023 and is responsible for developing and implementing NATO nuclear policy, organizing exercises, policy symposiums, training programs and providing policy support to the Secretary General on nuclear deterrence. Mr. Stokes chairs the Nuclear Planning Group - Staff Group. Prior to NATO, Mr. Stokes had a long career within the U.S. Department of Defense, holding positions in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Naval Special Warfare Command, and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He has earned Master’s degrees from the National War College and the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, as well as a B.A. from Allegheny College. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Brigadier General Bill Murphy discusses the importance of the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) system and their role in strategic deterrence. He explains that NC3 is a system of systems that ensures the President has command and control over nuclear forces and enables mission essential functions. General Murphy highlights the challenges of modernizing NC3 and the role of the NC3 Enterprise Center in overseeing the process. He emphasizes the importance of digital engineering and modeling in making informed decisions about future capabilities. General Murphy also calls for increased understanding and support for strategic deterrence and recognition of the work done by the men and women of the NC3 Enterprise. Brig. Gen. William D. Murphy serves as the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, United States Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. He is the principal advisor to the Commander on Reserve Component matters related to the Command’s diverse missions, including strategic deterrence; cyberspace operations; integrated missile defense; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and global strike. Brig. Gen. Murphy also flies as an Airborne Emergency Action Officer conducting strategic deterrence and operations missions aboard the Looking Glass Airborne Nuclear Command Post, supporting the president and National Command Authorities. Brig. Gen. Murphy was commissioned in 1990 as a graduate of the Air Force ROTC program at University of Nebraska, Omaha. He was a Distinguished Graduate in the MMII and MMIII weapon systems and has served in numerous wing, Numbered Air Force, Air Staff, Combatant Command and Joint Staff assignments. He has served on faculty for the Reserve Component National Security Course, National Defense University and as guest lecturer for the Air Force Nuclear Fundamentals Course and Nuclear Concepts Course. He was awarded Joint Qualified Officer (Level III) in 2012. In his civilian capacity, Brig. Gen. Murphy serves as Vice President of an Independent Consulting Firm based in Omaha Neb. Prior to his current position, he served as Mobilization Assistant to the Director of Operations and Communications, Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org

In this episode, Adam interviews Marcus Lea, the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), about the importance of human capital and growing the workforce in the nuclear security field. They discuss recruitment and retention strategies, promoting the mission to potential candidates, inspiring youth to pursue STEM fields, partnerships with minority serving institutions, mentoring and guidance for students, and addressing challenges in federal hiring. Mr. Lea provides management, leadership, and day-to-day guidance in the NNSA administrative functions, including budget, NNSA Human Resources, Business Services, Audit and Internal Affairs, Learning and Career Management, and International Operations, providing guidance and assistance to the Administrator in all administrative areas. He is also responsible for developing and implementing Working Capital and related business policies, systems, procedures, and practices of the Department and the NNSA to ensure that they are responsive to the requirements for effective, efficient, and economical achievement of all programmatic goals and program objectives, and that they are fully supportive of the NNSA legislation and strategic plans. Prior to joining NNSA, Mr. Lea was Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Marshall Space Flight Center's Office of Human Capital. He led the entire scope of the Center's workforce strategy and planning, organization and leadership development, academic affairs, training and incentives, federal labor relations and employee services and operations. Prior to serving at NASA, Mr. Lea was Director for the Office of Human Capital Management at NNSA. He also served as DOE’s Deputy for the Office of Human Resources and as Director of Human Resources Operations. Before joining DOE, Mr. Lea was a Civilian Personnel Officer for the United States Air Force District of Washington. Mr. Lea began his professional career as an Allowances and Differentials Analyst for the United States Department of State and progressively served in leadership roles spanning all of the Human Resources disciplines for the Office of Personnel Management; the United States Air Force Materiel Command; the Defense Information Systems Agency; and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Socials: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278NucleCast@anwadeter.org