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Which military branch handles nuclear weapons?

I've seen a few documentaries about nuclear stuff and started wondering: which branch of the military handles nuclear weapons? Specifically, I'm curious about how someone might get involved with the handling or management of nuclear weaponry.

10 months ago

The United States Air Force and the United States Navy are the two branches of the military that handle nuclear weapons.

The U.S. Air Force maintains two legs of the U.S. nuclear triad – Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) and bombers. The ICBMs are kept at Air Force bases in the U.S. and are operated 24/7, providing a strong deterrent. The bombers, like B-52s and B-2s, are capable of carrying nuclear weapons and are part of the strategic air power of the U.S.

The U.S. Navy handles the third leg of the nuclear triad – Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) deployed on submarines.

For individuals looking to get involved in the management of nuclear weaponry, there are specific military career paths. In the Navy, you might consider becoming a nuclear engineer on a submarine. The Air Force has positions such as missile and space facilities maintenance, which deal directly with ICBMs. Before you can start these types of jobs, you must go through specified training programs, so a strong background in science and mathematics would be beneficial. The Department of Defense security clearance process also thoroughly reviews candidates for these roles due to the sensitive nature of the work. Just remember, although the idea of working with nuclear weapons might sound interesting or exciting, it's also a tremendous responsibility. It's a path that requires meticulousness, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

10 months ago

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