If Needed, Who gets to Push the Nuclear Button

me ^ | 1/26/04 | eastforker

[eastforker]

I asked this question on an earlier thread. I was Freepmailed and told it was classified by a naval officer. In light of some of the presidential candidates before us, I would like to know, who decides to push the N button if needed. In contrast, if the N button needs to be pushed and the president refuses, who or what over rules.

[Argus]

I always enjoyed that scene in THE DEAD ZONE where President Martin Sheen demands that his Chairman of the JCS put his hand on the scanner to launch the missiles, "Or I'll cut it off and put it there for you."

[eastforker]

Somebody has to have an idea, I for one would like to know.

[RolandBurnam]

Turn your key!

[boris]

"I asked this question on an earlier thread. I was Freepmailed and told it was classified by a naval officer. In light of some of the presidential candidates before us, I would like to know, who decides to push the N button if needed. In contrast, if the N button needs to be pushed and the president refuses, who or what over rules."

SIOP

[Krodg]

Just a bookmark......waiting for the experts to arrive.

[MineralMan]

"In contrast, if the N button needs to be pushed and the president refuses, who or what over rules."

Nobody overrules. The President has the absolute last word.

[jerseygirl]

I have no idea, but am aware of a program called GWEN- ground wave emergency network. It involves a large number of what appear to be radio towers, but what they are for are to send signals to launch even if no one is left to do it.

[DMCA]

This MAY help. I haven't read it but the title sounds interesting.

Military/Predelegation of Authority to Use Nuclear Weapons in Intense Crises
http://sopris.net/mpc/military/predelegation.html

[jtminton]

President Martin Sheen

SHUDDER!!!

[July 4th]

Interesting. I would guess that the Pres. isn't "pushing any buttons," but rather giving the nuclear football guy the instruction to initiate the launch protocols.

[eastforker]

Are you sure of that.

[Cagey]

The guy on the right is your guy.

[eastforker]

Thats what I mean "the final word to go".

[Snowy]

That's a good question. Honestly, a part of me thinks that we will never push the button. Whoever does, has to be 100% sure of themselves. I don't know of anyone who is 100% sure of themselves. The dems certainly don't have the testicular fortitude to push the button.

[Tijeras_Slim]

R for Robert...

[Michael81Dus]

Tell your question President@whitehouse.gov !
He will be able to answer, I´m sure. ;-)

[DMCA]

This link may also help.


http://www.blacknet.co.uk/education/histnuke.html

It contains quite a few links to site that detail nuclear weapons.

[r9etb]

Actually, the persons who press the nuclear button sit in a silo, or in a submarine. The decision of a president, or anybody else, that the button needs pushing, is nothing more than a strongly-worded suggestion whose implementation depends upon the willingness of those at the console to do so. ;-)

[optimistically_conservative]

http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/c3i/nuclear-football.htm

I guess it's not so much a button, but codes, and there are extreme contingencies where the nuke force commander has authority.