Communication security

Mattis to decide future of nuclear command, control and communications

The classified communications system that keeps the president connected to military forces during a nuclear event is being reviewed amid concerns that the technology is outdated and there is no clear plan to modernize it.

“Discussions are taking place at the secretary of defense and chairman levels,” said Gen. Robin Rand, commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command.

Global Strike Command currently is in charge of the Air Force’s portion of the nuclear command, control and communications system, or NC3. The Air Force today is responsible for about 70 percent of the 62 air, space and ground systems that make up the NC3 and collectively provide secure, survivable and resilient communications for the president to issue nuclear orders.