Sir Arthur C. Clarke, CBE: 16 Dec 1917 – 19 Mar 2008

If we have learned one thing from the history of invention and discovery, it is that, in the long run – and often in the short one – the most daring prophecies seem laughably conservative. – Arthur C. Clarke, The Exploration of Space, 1951 Radar specialist, scientist, visonary and author.  One of the great pillars…

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Vanguard 1: Fifty Years Later

    Requirement: 1) place a satellite in orbit during the IGY; 2) accomplish a scientific experiment in orbit; 3) track the satellite and ensure its attainment of orbit.  Because of an ongoing classified program to put reconnaissance satellites in orbit (Project WS-117 using Air Force Thor MRBM’s – which later became the Korona-series of reconnaissance…

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“If there are enough shovels to go around…”

“…everybody’s going to make it.” – Thomas K. Jones, 1982 Counterveil vs. Countervalue… Decapitating strikes… Winning a protracted nuclear war… Nuclear calculus… These, and other topics were points of not just mere discussion, but deep, serious study and analysis in the early 1980’s by, among others, a small cohort of graduate students at the Naval…

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The Next Nuclear Strategy for a New Administration – and Three Questions

   The accelerating spread of nuclear weapons, nuclear know-how and nuclear material has brought us to a nuclear tipping point. We face a very real possibility that the deadliest weapons ever invented could fall into dangerous hands.  The steps we are taking now to address these threats are not adequate to the danger. With nuclear…

CENTCOM CDR Resigns

SECDEF accepts resignation: Gates Accepts Resignation of CENTCOM Chief Fallon By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, March 11, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today reluctantly accepted Navy Adm. William J. "Fox" Fallon’s letter of resignation as commander of U.S. Central Command and request for retirement. Fallon’s resignation will take effect March…