User:Starvin Bandit/Global Thunder

Global Thunder is an annual U.S. nuclear strategic command and control exercise, that is designed to train U.S. Strategic Command forces and assess joint operational readiness.[1]  This large-scale training exercise has a primary focus on nuclear readiness and creating conditions for strategic deterrence against a variety of threats.[2] Global Thunder encompasses all missions, including strategic deterrence, space operations, cyberspace operations, joint electronic warfare, global strike, missile defense and intelligence, and lasts for approximately 10 days.[3] Global Thunder is meant to create realistic training activities against simulated opposition, with the goal to improve and maintain nuclear readiness and strategic deterrent capabilities.[4] This training involves increased bomber flights, missileer training, and SSBN readiness, verifying reliability and resilience of the nuclear triad.[4]

Nations involved in Global Thunder

edit

Global Thunder, a globally integrated exercise, also involves allied personnel from a variety of nations, including permanently assigned foreign liaison officers from: [5]

  • United Kingdom
  • Republic of Korea
  • Denmark
  • Canada
  • Australia

History

edit

Global Thunder has been held annually since the first documented GT training exercise in 2014, GT 15. The exercises commonly start around end of October to the beginning of November and lasts for approximately 10 days.

Global Thunder 15

edit

GT 15 lasted for an 11-day period ranging from Oct. 17 - 28, 2014. From behind the flightline operations, the 608th Air Operations Center delivered US Strategic Command combat power, globally, and on demand. The 608th AOC exercised its capability to use multiple communications links to USSTRATCOM assets and practiced defending against cyber-attacks on those links.[5]

Participating Airmen:

edit

Global Thunder 16

edit
 
B-52H Stratofortress takes off from Minot Air Force Base for Global Thunder 17 training exercise on Oct. 30, 2016.

Global Thunder 17

edit

Global Thunder 18

edit
edit

References

edit
  1. ^ Military.com (2020-10-26). "Global Thunder: B-52 Bombers Take Flight". Military.com. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  2. ^ "CSG 9 concludes Global Thunder exercise". U.S. Pacific Fleet. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  3. ^ "US Global Thunder Exercise Timed to Coincide with Other Events". Strategic Culture Foundation. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  4. ^ a b "U.S. Strategic Command commences annual nuclear readiness exercise—Global Thunder 22". U.S. Strategic Command. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  5. ^ a b "Global Thunder". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2022-04-17.
  6. ^ "Global Lightning exercise tests multi-domain space capabilities". Space Operations Command (SpOC). Retrieved 2022-04-17.
  7. ^ "NORAD, USNORTHCOM, U.S. Strategic Command begin Exercises VIGILANT SHIELD, GLOBAL THUNDER". U.S. Northern Command. Retrieved 2022-04-17.
  8. ^ "Terminal Fury will test teamwork in the Pacific". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 2022-04-17.
  9. ^ "Military Transformation - DOD Needs to Strengthen Implementation of Its Global Strike Concept and Provide a Comprehensive Investment Approach for Acquiring Needed Capabilities" (PDF). United States Government of Accountability Office. 2008.