Tom Cotton Questions Pentagon Nominee on Nuclear Testing and Deterrence

Impact of Successful Weapons Tests

• 🎯 Senator Cotton highlights that successful weapons tests, both nuclear and conventional, send a strong message of resolve and deterrence to adversaries.
• ⚠️ He contrasts this with the previous administration's cancellation of routine Minuteman III missile tests, which he believes avoided escalating tensions but signaled weakness.

Role of Regular Testing Schedules

• 🔑 Admiral Carell agrees that a regular testing schedule is crucial for demonstrating the reliability and credibility of the nuclear deterrent, especially in the current era.
• ⚡ The Stratcom commander is responsible for requirements related to weapon accuracy and effectiveness, which drives the need for testing.

Nuclear Arsenal's Deterrent Effect

• 🛡️ Senator Cotton argues that the existence and high state of readiness of nuclear weapons for 80 years have deterred major global conflicts, similar to those seen in the 20th century.
• 💰 He questions the claim that the nuclear arsenal is too expensive, noting that it constitutes only about 5% of the total military budget.
• ✅ Admiral Carell concurs that the nation's deterrent is exercised daily and that this credibility prevents war.

Nuclear Proliferation and Extended Deterrence

• 🌍 The relative lack of new nuclear states over the past 80 years is attributed, in part, to the US nuclear arsenal and the extended deterrence provided to allies.
• 🤝 Admiral Carell affirms that these partnerships are an essential element of the US nuclear proliferation strategy and counterproliferation efforts.