U.S. Strategic Command to conduct command, control exercise

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. – U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), one of nine U.S. unified commands under the Department of Defense, will conduct Exercise GLOBAL THUNDER 15 with components and tasks forces beginning Oct. 20, 2014.  In coordination with other combatant commands, services and appropriate U.S. government agencies, USSTRATCOM conducts global operations to deter and detect strategic attacks against the U.S. and its allies, and is prepared to defend the nation as directed.

GLOBAL THUNDER 15 will be conducted with North American Aerospace Defence Command and U.S. Northern Command’s Exercise VIGILANT SHIELD 15, which aims to train participants in homeland defense.

Exercise GLOBAL THUNDER 15 is USSTRATCOM’s annual field training and battle staff exercise designed to exercise all command mission areas in space, cyberspace, missile defense, combating weapons of mass destruction, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance with primary emphasis on nuclear command and control.  GLOBAL THUNDER 15 provides participating components, task forces, units, command posts and bomber wings opportunities to train and assess joint operational readiness to deter, and if necessary defeat, a military attack against the U.S. and to employ forces as directed by the president. 

The exercise has been planned for more than a year and is based on a notional scenario.  Timing of the exercise is unrelated to any real-world events.

"The United States' ability to maintain a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent is foundational to our national security and contributes to the security of our allies and partners," said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander. "This exercise, and our continued focus on maintaining key capabilities and skills, ensures USSTRATCOM's strategic forces remain relevant and ready, 24/7, providing flexible and credible options for the President and the Department of Defense."