U.S. Air Force Center for Strategic Deterrence Studies

For two decades, the U.S. Air Force Center for Strategic Deterrence Studies (CSDS) has enhanced the national security community's discussion of issues involving nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons through its educational courses, research products, and weekly News and Analysis publication. In September, CSDS will mark 20 years of continuous service and is proud to introduce this special anniversary logo to mark the occasion. This logo displays the radiological hazard symbol, representing both nuclear weapons effects and the imperative to develop countermeasures against all weapons of mass destruction.

Courses

Published June 25, 2018
USAF Center for Strategic Deterrence Studies, Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL

NUCLEAR ISSUES: STRATEGY, TECHNOLOGY, AND POLICY
This is a two-term course comprised of a research component and a classroom component. In this course, students will study the history of the U.S. nuclear weapons enterprise, analyze how the DoD has arrived at the current state of affairs, examine the Report on the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review, and postulate the role of nuclear weapons in the future. The result will be a more complete understanding of the issues surrounding nuclear deterrence, the role of the nuclear umbrella, nuclear weapon reduction pros/cons, nuclear testing, the nuclear weapon life cycle, the nuclear enterprise, and the unique relationship between DoD and DoE's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

HOMELAND SECURITY AND DEFENSE
We are now in an era when mass casualty weapons make it possible for individuals or small groups to inflict the kind of damage on societies that was once only within the capabilities of nation states. This course examines the threats to and vulnerabilities of the US homeland and analyzes the actors, organizational structures, plans, policies, programs and resources required to defend the country against such threats. Homeland Security and Defense is the nation's top priority to secure our homeland and protect the American people from terrorist attacks.

COUNTER-WMD POLICY AND STRATEGY
Given the threatened use of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons and chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) hazards, the U.S. government must articulate policies that allow the development of strategies, which in turn align resources, personnel, and priorities with policy objectives. The DoD and Air Force must understand the “whole of government” approach to countering those capabilities developed by nations with offensive WMD programs as well as sub-state groups that seek out CBR hazards for use against unprotected civilians.

ARMS CONTROL AND TREATIES
With the continuous threat from the proliferation of WMD technologies and weapons this course is designed to educate civilian and military members on Arms Control and Nonproliferation activities. The lessons are intended to enhance each participant's knowledge of the development, production, stockpiling, proliferation, and usage of Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological weapons, and arms control programs and treaties designed to stop proliferation.

NUCLEAR WARGAMING
This elective will examine the conceptual employment of nuclear weapons in both strategic and operational military operations. Using three case studies, students will examine nuclear weapons employment concepts and identify relevancy of nuclear weapons to contemporary strategy discussions.

AFGSC STRATEGIC DETERRENCE BASIC COURSE
This distance learning course offered by the Center for Strategic Deterrence Studies introduces members of Air Force Global Strike Command to the basic concepts of deterrence and assurance, the role of the Air Force within the U.S. nuclear enterprise, and how they as "Nuclear Airmen" contribute to the nuclear deterrence mission.