The Decision to Modernize U.S. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles

The issues surrounding the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) modernization decision are addressed. Consideration is given to both Rail Garrison MX and the mobile Midgetman system. The central thesis of this article is that the flexibility and survivability of the mobile Midgetman makes this system the preferred choice for the future. A discussion of likely alternative courses of action is included--that is, doing nothing, deploying less (the current Bush Administration compromise proposal), placing Midgetman in silos, and deploying MX in multiple silos.