Security
Lacking at Nuclear Weapons Sites in Europe - US Report
An
internal U.S. Air Force investigation revealed that the majority of air
force bases in Europe that contain U.S. nuclear bombs do not meet U.S.
Defence Department security requirements, as many are behind in repairs,
do not have sufficient lighting or fencing, and do not have security guards
with adequate training and experience.
At a few of the bases, military conscripts with not even one year of active
duty experience were tasked with making sure the weapons are not stolen.
‘A consistently noted theme throughout the visits was that most sites
require significant additional resources to meet DOD security requirements,’
said the report, titled ‘Air Force Blue Ribbon Review of Nuclear
Weapons Policies and Procedures.’
In an effort to strengthen security, the United States may choose to consolidate
the nuclear weapons at fewer bases in Europe, believing it will help ‘minimise
variances and reduce vulnerabilities.’
