Lost missiles and lost messages: how the Air Force misplaced six nuclear weapons without anyone knowing

Lost missiles and lost messages: how the Air Force misplaced six nuclear weapons without anyone knowing Public Deposited

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Abstract

When the Air Force accidentally shipped six nuclear weapons across the country, it led to a breakdown in the confidence of the American public in the service. As the Air Force took action to repair its procedures, a series of dated regulations and communication errors kept the service from repairing its reputation. The conflict between the need to inform and the need to protect national security led to an inconsistent communication strategy that hamstrung the service and left its credibility crippled in an extended and multifaceted crisis. This case study examines the Air Force's mistakes and provides suggestions for how the military can better communicate with its stakeholders.

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