The Air Force reportedly is still considering the use of Minuteman ICBMs fitted with conventional warheads to answer the quick global strike requirement, but service, industry, and congressional stakeholders alike remain skittish, believing such a capability would make everyone else in the world very nervous. A conventional ICBM launch would look just like the launch of a nuke, and other nuclear powers might not be inclined to believe Washington reassurances via the hotline.
Internationally known and respected Army Gen. Colin Powell died Oct. 18 at age 84 of complications from COVID-19. Powell served a 35-year Army career capped by duties as National Security Advisor to President Ronald Reagan and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush. He…