As the level of threats across the world continue to rise, our readiness in the US is stagnant at best in both military and intelligence terms. The threat of some sort of nuclear exchange is higher than at any time since the Cold War. Everyone recognizes that our defense systems are no longer up to the task and need to be upgraded and/or replaced. Some of the systems still in use are over 40 years old. There is much debate as the possibility of merely upgrading minuteman missiles for example to kick the can down the road or more permanent solutions such as space based defensive systems. However, the replacement system selected is known as the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent, or GBSD.
There are good arguments for GBSD, just as there are for the other potential solutions. Eventually, space-based systems will probably carry the day, but that day has not yet arrived and GBSD is the name of the game. Most people don’t realize that the US military builds very few of the weapon systems used by the military (aircraft, ships, missiles etc.) and almost all are built by the large contracting companies. GBSD is no different and it is managed by the Northrup Grumman Corp. However, less than a year ago, the Northrup VP/General Manager of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program, Greg Manuel, was fired. This by itself is unusual but now, after only 10 months on the job, the Program Manager has been fired as well, just in the last week or so. In this time of urgency, we are not getting the job done likely based on the lack of defined policies from the current Administration. We desperately need a strategic review of systems and policies.
Founder of Americans for Intelligence Reform, a non-profit organization, Brad retired after 25 years as a Senior Operative with the CIA. His multiple stations included areas fighting terrorism, and those succumbing to lawlessness, human rights violations, and communism. At AIR we publish what you need to hear that our media censors. Support independent news outlets by sharing and following. Brad is an enrolled member of The Cherokee Nation, a Federally Recognized Tribe.
