Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) will answer to US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), the military command that oversees US nuclear and space operations, as well as information warfare and global military intelligence.

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But many systems that were not deemed vital during a nuclear war, such as non-strategic command and control, were left unprotected.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

The practical effect of such a policy direction is to eschew the steps called for by the Strategic Posture Commission and, indeed, the recommendations of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, the commander of Strategic Command, General Kevin Chilton and the director of the National Nuclear Security Administration, Thomas D'Agostino.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Obama's shrinking deterrent

As notable is the assent of retired Air Force General Lee Butler, former head of the Strategic Air Command, who underwent a very public post-service revulsion against America's nuclear strategy.

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Robert Kehler of U.S. Strategic Command also stated recently that the United States may decide to move from a "triad" of nuclear delivery vehicles (submarines, bombers, and inter-continental ballistic missiles) to a "dyad" of only two types of delivery vehicles.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy