ABSTRACT
U.S. strategic nuclear forces are charged with the mission of deterring a Soviet nuclear attack on the United States. Since defenses against a nuclear attack are both difficult and limited by the Antiballistic Missile Treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union, the United States relies upon the ability of its strategic forces to carry out a devastating retaliatory strike against Soviet cities to deter a Soviet attack. U.S. forces are designed to be capable of carrying out this “assured destruction” mission after having absorbed a well-coordinated surprise Soviet strike against them.
