The head of US Strategic Command, Air Force Gen. Kevin Chilton, has declared that nuclear deterrence is his command’s No. 1 priority, despite the importance of STRATCOM’s other “main lines of operations”: space operations and cyberspace operations. Following recent nuclear enterprise missteps, Chilton said he believes the services are “taking all necessary measures to correct the accountability and day-to-day management issues.” However, within STRATCOM, he has created a new one-star position, the deputy director for nuclear operations, and also established a Nuclear Enterprise Council and Board with general officer-level oversight. He said: “We have to be perfect” in the nuclear mission. … I think, perhaps, in the past 15 years we have lost track of the fact that readiness is a mission. Deterrence is a mission. And, the highest calling anyone wearing a military uniform has is not to fight our country’s wars, but to prevent those wars from starting.” (Offutt AFB, Neb., report by MSgt Ben Gonzales)
We looked back on the past 12 months to find the stories that resonated the most with you, our audience, and these 10 topped the list. Maybe you missed one the first time around, or perhaps you’d like to revisit a favorite.