NucleCast

Latest Episodes:

Brendan Melley - The Role of Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther interviews Brendan Melley, Director, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction at the Institute for National Strategic Studies. Melley discusses the role of the center and its sponsors, as well as its impact on policy. They also delve into the topic of deterring the use of chemical weapons and the challenges associated with it. Melley shares his thoughts on the need for increased education on WMDs and the importance of clear declaratory statements. Finally, they discuss their wishes for the future, including increased awareness, resolution of regional conflicts, and a better understanding of the role of deterrence in preventing war.

As Director, Mr. Melley oversees CSWMD’s three lines of work: research and analysis involving the role of WMD in U.S. national security policies and strategies, including strategic deterrence and the activities and programs of countering chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats; direct policy support to senior Defense and other USG leaders on WMD-related matters; and WMD education within the Joint Professional Military Education system and to other academic institutions in the Department of Defense.

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USAF Col. (Ret) George Farfour - The Role of Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the Nuclear Enterprise Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

George Farfour, the Associate Dean of the School of Strategic Force Studies at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), focuses on the educational initiatives undertaken by the Air Force to improve the nuclear knowledge of airmen. Colonel Farfour explains the role of AFIT and its various departments in providing continuing education for airmen in nuclear and nuclear command control and communication (NC3) fields. He discusses the courses offered by AFIT and the objectives of these courses, which include providing a deeper understanding of the political and strategic aspects of nuclear weapons and fostering appreciation for the interconnectedness of the nuclear enterprise. Colonel Farfour also highlights the Academic Partnerships for Nuclear Education (APNE) program, which allows airmen to pursue academic degrees and certificates related to nuclear studies.

Before retiring after 37 years of uniformed service, he was most recently the Chief, Defense Nuclear Inspections Oversight Department, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, where he was responsible to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the oversight of US Air Force and Navy nuclear inspection teams on the health and warfighting capability of the Nation’s nuclear triad. Colonel Farfour served as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Officer for most of his career, with extensive experience in nuclear war planning; national nuclear policy; conventional, nuclear, and space arms control policy, nuclear operations, nuclear weapon systems acquisition and sustainment and nuclear command, control and communications. He has also served in a variety of staff positions, including at U.S. Strategic Command, on the Air Staff at the Pentagon, and as Deputy Director of the Air Force Space Command Commander's Action Group. He served as the Chief, Nuclear Operations and Integration Division, Assistant Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters, United States Air Force. He also served as the Vice Commander, 90th Missile Wing, Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyo. and as the Vice Commander, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Kirtland AFB, NM.

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Bruce Goodwin, Ph.D. - Nuclear Weapons Technology 101 Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Bruce Goodwin, a retired Senior Laboratory Fellow in the Center for Global Security Research of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, discusses his publication 'Nuclear Weapons Technology 101 for Policy Wonks' and the importance of understanding nuclear weapons design. He emphasizes the need for technical experts to communicate effectively with policy wonks and non-technical audiences, highlighting the importance of listening and avoiding jargon. Goodwin also discusses the challenges of sustaining a credible stockpile stewardship program and attracting the best and brightest to the nuclear field. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of nuclear deterrence in maintaining peace.

From 2013 to 2016, Bruce was the Associate Director for National Security Policy Research in charge of the National Security Office (now the Office of Defense Coordination) and the Center for Global Security Research. From 2001 until 2013, he was the Principal Associate Director of the Nuclear Weapons Program at LLNL. Before that he was a nuclear weapons designer.

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The Honorable Chris Stewart - Nuclear Policy in Congress Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

Congressman Chris Stewart discusses his experience in Congress and the dynamics of nuclear policy. He highlights the importance of committees and the role they play in shaping policy. He explains the responsibility of different committees for nuclear forces and the challenges of advocating for the nuclear arsenal as well as the debate between defense spending and other budget priorities.

Chris Stewart served Utah in Congress for over a decade and became a senior member on both the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Appropriations Committee. He is a multiple New York Times best-selling and national award-winning author, world-record-setting Air Force pilot, and the former owner and CEO of a small business.

Chris is one of ten children and grew up on a dairy farm in Cache Valley. He graduated from Utah State University, where he earned his degree in economics. Upon graduation, Chris joined the United States Air Force where he was the Distinguished Graduate (top of his class) in both Officer Training School and Undergraduate Pilot Training. He served for fourteen years as a pilot in the Air Force, flying both rescue helicopters and the B-1B bomber. He holds three world speed records, including the world’s record for the fastest non-stop flight around the world.

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Jim Howe, Ph.D. - A Historical Analysis of U.S. Nuclear Space Propulsion and Power Programs Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Jim Howe, a consultant in the space industry, talks about nuclear propulsion in space. He discusses the history of nuclear propulsion, current developments, and the advantages of nuclear rockets. Dr. Howe highlights the need for continued bipartisan support and the importance of nuclear technology for domestic and terrestrial applications. He also emphasizes the potential of nuclear propulsion for space exploration and the need for high standards of accountability and performance.

Dr. Howe has extensive experience in nuclear energy, national and homeland security, policymaking, and communications. He has spent the last 14 years working in the nuclear industry, where he has been deeply involved in the development and commercialization of advanced nuclear reactors and uranium enrichment technology. Jim has collaborated with numerous partners in Congress, the executive branch, trade associations, and industry, in the U.S. and internationally.

Jim holds a PhD from the University of Leicester, with his dissertation titled Atomic Space: A History and Analysis of U.S. policy for the development of nuclear space propulsion and power technologies. He is a distinguished graduate of the Marine Corps War College, where he earned a masters degree in strategic studies, and has also earned graduate degrees in space studies and government. Jim is the author of Red Crew: Fighting the War on Drugs with Reagan’s Coast Guard and has had numerous articles published in defense- and space-related professional journals.

Prior to his private sector experiences, Jim served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, with 11 years at sea and five in command of Coast Guard cutters. He retired at the rank of Captain (O-6). Jim also served at the Department of Homeland Security and as a policy advisor to the Vice President of the United States.

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Joe Buff - Applying Actuarial Sciences to Nuclear Deterrence Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther interviews Joe Buff, an MIT-trained mathematician and author, about applying actuarial sciences to nuclear deterrence. The conversation explores the prediction of human behavior in deterrence, the application of actuarial sciences to improve deterrence strategies, and the importance of vetting assumptions in deterrence models. Joe Buff also shares his three wishes related to the topics discussed: the need for Americans to know and care about nuclear deterrence, building the right workforce for deterrence efforts, and ensuring a smooth modernization process. The episode concludes with a comprehensive look at deterrence in the 21st century.

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Matthew Sermon - Revitalization of the Submarine Industrial Base Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, guest Matthew Sermon, the Executive Director of the Program Executive Office Strategic Submarines, discusses the future of ballistic missile submarines. He describes the status of the future submarine program, the differences between the Ohio and Columbia class submarines, considerations for cost and schedule, challenges with the industrial base, additive manufacturing in submarine construction, addressing corrosion and coatings, and the importance of submarine construction for national security. Matt shares his three wishes for the future, including national outreach programs, workforce retention and upskilling, and the urgency and agility in transitioning to advanced manufacturing.

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Bryan Bender - Exploring Workforce Barriers in Deterrence Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Bryan Bender, VP for Communication Strategy at SMI and a contributor to Politico magazine. They explore the barriers to entry and the challenges faced by young people interested in nuclear issues. The conversation delves into the perspectives of the arms control community and the concerns they have about the collapse of arms control frameworks.

Takeaways:

The nuclear field lacks the brainpower needed to address complex and dangerous issues.
There are divergent views on nuclear issues, with some advocating for enhancing the nuclear deterrent and others calling for arms control and disarmament.
There are barriers to entry in the nuclear field, including difficulties in getting government positions and a lack of training grounds and career pathways.
The arms control community is concerned about the collapse of arms control frameworks and the need to revive guardrails in the nuclear age.
Increasing awareness of the importance of nuclear weapons, successful development of the replacement ICBM, and clearer heads in Moscow and Beijing are important goals for the nuclear field.

Bryan Bender is an experienced journalist and communicator with an extensive network in the national security and foreign policy communities, think tanks, trade associations and the private sector.

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Brad Gericke, Ph.D. - Ukraine, Will Russia Use Nukes? Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

Brad Gericke discusses international affairs and national security, specifically focusing on the situation leading up to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. He shares his insights and assessments of the events and the consensus among intelligence agencies.

Takeaways:

The conversation explores the international affairs and national security context leading up to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Brad Gericke provides insights and assessments of the situation based on his role as the G35 of the Army.
There was a consensus among intelligence agencies that the Russian forces were likely to invade Ukraine.

Brad holds a doctorate from Vanderbilt University and is a graduate of the National War College. Most recently Brad served as the Army’s longest-tenured Senior Strategist and Chief of Plans, Brad exercised wide-ranging and global responsibilities across the Army.

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Alexis Littlefield, Ph.D. : Defending Taiwan Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Alex Littlefield discusses China's aspirations to become a regional and global hegemon, with a focus on its relationship with Taiwan. He explains China's historical claim to Taiwan and the cultural differences between the two regions. Dr. Littlefield also highlights China's expansionist goals beyond Taiwan and its desire to unify various groups under its leadership. He discusses the perception of Taiwan's democracy among Chinese people and the challenges China faces in terms of time constraints and demographics. Dr. Littlefield emphasizes the need for deterrence and the potential consequences of a Taiwan invasion. He also addresses the possibility of Taiwan developing nuclear weapons and the complexities of China's political economy and imperial ambitions.

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