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News | July 30, 2015

USSTRATCOM Symposium Explores Deterrence Concepts in a Complex World

U.S. Strategic Command Public Affairs

LA VISTA, Neb. - U.S. Strategic Command and nearly 600 experts in industry, military, government, academic and international affairs from around the world wrapped up the command's 2015 Deterrence Symposium, the best-attended deterrence symposium to date, at the La Vista Conference Center today.

Adm. Cecil D. Haney, USSTRATCOM Commander, hosted the event to promote increased collaboration and discussion of global deterrence issues under this year's theme, "Explore Deterrence Concepts in this Complex World."

"To address complex deterrence in the 21st Century, we must address the threat environment holistically and take a tailored approach," Haney said. “We must have a deep understanding of our adversaries and potential adversaries and know the range of strategic threats each pose to the U.S. and our Allies and partners so that we can better anticipate new threats and developing situations."

The two-day event featured seven panels of experts discussing strategic deterrence concepts and how they fit into an ever-changing, complex and uncertain world.

According to the admiral, discussion forums like this one are important.

“These complex issues require talented people, whether serving in our all-volunteer force, in our government, as an industry partner, or within academia, and as leaders we must ensure we are developing the talent that will assume that mantle,” Haney said. “Ultimately, our future is dependent on those who provide meaningful thought … we must continue to grow the next generation of strategic thinkers.”

International participation in the symposium was greater this year than previous years’ events with representatives from 12 countries participating.

The keynote speaker for Wednesday’s evening forum, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff Nuclear Chemical Biological, UK, said, “Deterrence has to be a comprehensive approach that integrates national and multinational alliance endeavors.”

He also described his views on the U.S. and UK partnership saying, “Our relationship with the U.S. is deep … and over the years I’ve personally seen this relationship grow even stronger.”

Speaking about working together for regional stability, Mr. Sugio Takahashi, National Institute for Defense Studies, Japanese Ministry of Defense said, “The current direction of the U.S.-Japan alliance regarding strategic deterrence is a mutual, committed deterrence rather than one-sided extended deterrence.”

Throughout the symposium, speakers also highlighted the contributions of current nuclear, cyber and space operators and the numerous agencies and people who support them.

“We can’t say enough to thank and salute all those strategic warriors who are out there in their foxholes … doing their work. They are unsung heroes that do their work diligently,” Haney remarked.

Beverstock echoed the USSTRATCOM commander’s thoughts.

“I believe that nuclear weapons have prevented wars between major powers for over 70 years, and they continue to feature every day in the calculus and decisions reached by our adversaries. It is due to the dedication and total professionalism of our people who deliver these vital capabilities that we are able to stay safe each and every day, and I commend them all for their service,” Beverstock said.

View ADM Haney's remarks at http://www.stratcom.mil/s136
View Dr. Brad Roberts' remarks at http://www.stratcom.mil/s138
View RADM Mark Beverstock's remarks at http://www.stratcom.mil/s139
View the Honorable Frank Miller's remarks at http://www.stratcom.mil/s137