Which General is credited with shaping nuclear deterrence as commander of Strategic Air Command?

Which General is credited with shaping nuclear deterrence as commander of Strategic Air Command?

• A. General Bernard "Bennie" Schriever
• B. General James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle
• C. General Curtis E. Lemay
• D. Master Sergeant John Chapman

Answer: (C)

General Curtis E. LeMay is credited with shaping nuclear deterrence as the commander of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the Cold War era. His leadership from 1948 to 1957 played a pivotal role in developing the United States' nuclear strategy and its capabilities. LeMay was a strong advocate for the strategic bombing doctrine, which emphasized the importance of being able to conduct effective nuclear strikes against adversaries to deter aggression. Under his command, SAC focused on ensuring a rapid response to potential threats through the establishment of a constant state of readiness and the development of various strategic bombers, like the B-52, which became integral to the United States' nuclear triad. His approach to deterrence was rooted in the belief that maintaining a credible threat of massive retaliation would prevent adversaries from acting aggressively. This was significant during the tense period of the Cold War when the threat of nuclear conflict was ever-present. By solidifying the role of air power in the nuclear strategy, LeMay helped define U.S. military policy and posture during a critical time in history. The other individuals listed have notable military achievements but are not directly associated with the specific development of nuclear deterrence in the same capacity as General LeMay.

General Curtis E. LeMay is credited with shaping nuclear deterrence as the commander of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the Cold War era. His leadership from 1948 to 1957 played a pivotal role in developing the United States' nuclear strategy and its capabilities. LeMay was a strong advocate for the strategic bombing doctrine, which emphasized the importance of being able to conduct effective nuclear strikes against adversaries to deter aggression.

Under his command, SAC focused on ensuring a rapid response to potential threats through the establishment of a constant state of readiness and the development of various strategic bombers, like the B-52, which became integral to the United States' nuclear triad.

His approach to deterrence was rooted in the belief that maintaining a credible threat of massive retaliation would prevent adversaries from acting aggressively. This was significant during the tense period of the Cold War when the threat of nuclear conflict was ever-present. By solidifying the role of air power in the nuclear strategy, LeMay helped define U.S. military policy and posture during a critical time in history.

The other individuals listed have notable military achievements but are not directly associated with the specific development of nuclear deterrence in the same capacity as General LeMay.