The United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) is one of the eleven unified combatant commands of the United States Department of Defense. Headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, USSTRATCOM is responsible for the global command and control of U.S. strategic forces, including nuclear deterrence, space operations, and cyber operations. The command's mission is to deter strategic attacks against the United States and its allies, and to be prepared to fight and win wars if deterrence fails.
History of USSTRATCOM
USSTRATCOM was established on June 1, 1992, as a result of the merger of two previous commands: the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM). The merger was designed to create a more integrated and efficient command structure for the nation’s strategic forces. Since its establishment, USSTRATCOM has played a critical role in maintaining the security and stability of the United States and its allies, and has been involved in numerous military operations and humanitarian missions around the world.
Organization and Structure
USSTRATCOM is led by a four-star general or admiral, who serves as the commander of the command. The command is organized into several subordinate units, including the Joint Functional Component Command for Space (JFCC Space), the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense (JFCC IMD), and the Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike (JFCC GS). USSTRATCOM also has a number of supporting units, including the USSTRATCOM Intelligence Directorate and the USSTRATCOM Plans and Policy Directorate.
The command's structure is designed to facilitate the integration of its various mission areas, including nuclear deterrence, space operations, and cyber operations. USSTRATCOM works closely with other U.S. military commands, as well as with international partners and allies, to achieve its mission objectives. The command's headquarters is located at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, but it has personnel and operations located around the world.
| Mission Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Deterrence | The mission of nuclear deterrence involves maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent to prevent strategic attacks against the United States and its allies. |
| Space Operations | The mission of space operations involves conducting space-based operations to support national security objectives, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), communications, and navigation. |
| Cyber Operations | The mission of cyber operations involves conducting cyber operations to support national security objectives, including defending against cyber threats, conducting cyber intelligence, and conducting cyber effects operations. |
USSTRATCOM’s Role in National Security
USSTRATCOM plays a critical role in maintaining the national security of the United States. The command’s mission areas, including nuclear deterrence, space operations, and cyber operations, are all essential to preventing strategic attacks against the United States and its allies. USSTRATCOM’s ability to deter and respond to strategic threats is a key component of the nation’s overall defense strategy.
In addition to its role in deterring strategic attacks, USSTRATCOM also plays a critical role in supporting other U.S. military commands and operations. The command's space-based assets, including satellites and other space-based systems, provide critical support to U.S. military operations around the world. USSTRATCOM's cyber operations capabilities also provide critical support to U.S. military operations, including the ability to conduct cyber intelligence, cyber effects operations, and cyber defense.
USSTRATCOM’s Relationship with Other U.S. Military Commands
USSTRATCOM works closely with other U.S. military commands to achieve its mission objectives. The command has a number of formal and informal relationships with other commands, including the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), and the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM). USSTRATCOM also works closely with the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. Secretary of Defense to provide strategic guidance and support to the nation’s overall defense strategy.
USSTRATCOM's relationships with other U.S. military commands are critical to its ability to achieve its mission objectives. The command's ability to integrate its various mission areas, including nuclear deterrence, space operations, and cyber operations, requires close coordination and cooperation with other commands. USSTRATCOM's relationships with other commands also facilitate the sharing of intelligence, resources, and expertise, which is essential to achieving the nation's overall defense objectives.
What is the primary mission of USSTRATCOM?
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The primary mission of USSTRATCOM is to deter strategic attacks against the United States and its allies, and to be prepared to fight and win wars if deterrence fails.
What are the three main mission areas of USSTRATCOM?
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The three main mission areas of USSTRATCOM are nuclear deterrence, space operations, and cyber operations.
How does USSTRATCOM work with other U.S. military commands?
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USSTRATCOM works closely with other U.S. military commands to achieve its mission objectives, including the U.S. Northern Command, the U.S. Pacific Command, and the U.S. European Command.
