A KC-135 Stratotanker sits on the flightline at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing sits on the flight line during a Nuclear Staff Assistance Visit at MacDill Air Force Base, FL, June 12, 2024. Exercises such as the NSAV help to reinforce an effective nuclear response and maintain a modern, flexible and always ready nuclear deterrent force. USAF photo by Amn Monique Stober

Safe, Secure, and Reliable

By Mr. Roberto S. Aguilar Jr., Command Nuclear Surety Manager

Nuclear Surety and Air Mobility Command (AMC) are critical aspects of the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) mission to maintain safe, secure, and effective nuclear capabilities while supporting global air mobility operations. Nuclear surety refers to the measures, programs, and protocols designed to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of nuclear weapons and their associated systems. The goal of nuclear surety is to prevent accidents involving nuclear assets as well as unauthorized access to, misuse of, or malicious acts with nuclear assets. To help continuously achieve this goal, the four key pillars of nuclear surety were established. They include:

  1. Safety: Prevent nuclear accidents or incidents that could harm personnel or the environment.
  2. Security: Protect nuclear weapons from unauthorized access, theft, or sabotage.
  3. Reliability: Ensure nuclear weapons will perform as intended if authorized for use.
  4. Control: Prevent unauthorized use of nuclear weapons.

USAF implements the four pillars of nuclear surety through rigorous training programs, continuous maintenance and inspections, advanced security measures, and the Nuclear Weapons Personnel Reliability Program (PRP), which helps to ensure that individuals with access to nuclear weapons are trustworthy and competent. According to the Department of the Air Force Manual 13-501, “PRP is a critical link in nuclear surety. PRP-required screening programs, personnel security investigations, and the PRP continuous evaluation requirement are designed to mitigate risks and protect the nuclear deterrent from insider threats. As such, PRP-supporting [Department of Defense] Component heads and supervisors must aid reviewing and certifying officials in their initial and continuing evaluation duties by ensuring they are provided all relevant information on those trusted with PRP duties.”[1] Moreover, per this manual, only individuals demonstrating the highest levels of integrity and dependability are assigned PRP duties; PRP ensures that each person trusted with U.S. nuclear weapons, nuclear command and control systems and equipment, positive control materials, and special nuclear material, meets the highest levels of reliability.2

AMC, a major command of USAF, is responsible for providing global airlift, aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and global air mobility support. In managing these responsibilities, AMC plays a vital role in the nation’s nuclear enterprise by enabling rapid deployment and sustainment of nuclear forces and supporting strategic deterrence. AMC’s role in nuclear surety includes the airlift of nuclear-related materials, ensuring the secure transport of nuclear weapons, components, and personnel to strategic locations; aerial refueling, refueling strategic bombers and other assets involved in nuclear deterrence missions; support for Strategic Forces, supporting intercontinental ballistic missile operations by delivering equipment, personnel, and supplies; and global reach, providing the logistical backbone for nuclear operations, enabling U.S. forces to maintain readiness worldwide.

By combining the principles of nuclear surety with AMC’s global reach and operational capabilities, USAF ensures that the United States maintains a credible and effective nuclear deterrent while prioritizing safety and security.

[1], 2 Department of the Air Force. 2024. “Enclosure 3: Procedures,” Department of the Air Force Manual 13-501. https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a10/publication/dodm5210.42_dafman13-501/dodm5210.42_dafman13-501.pdf.