During the Reagan era and the Cold War, 2W (Nuclear Weapons Technician) manning and experience were at their peak to match stockpile requirements. Today, however, 2Ws are severely undermanned in both numbers and experience levels, even as the enterprise dynamic grows to reach prior numbers of inventory items. AFGSC continues to expand the number of bases requiring 2W2s with the arrival of the B-21, and USAFE has added locations, stretching an already young and stressed workforce. Furthermore, the tightening of PCS moves reduces the number of personnel who "cycle" through Missile Wing bases, preventing the career field from gaining depth in technical expertise at a critical time during the Sentinel transition.
Examine 2W manning during prior years to understand the manning from the Cold War era versus today, contextualized by a growing enterprise that will soon reach prior numbers of items in the inventory. What recommendations can accomplish growing and retaining experienced technicians to meet the demands of national security? Finally, due to this greater demand for 2W personnel across more bomber and fighter bases worldwide, should the Nuclear Enterprise seek contract maintenance personnel to conduct routine maintenance at Missile Wing bases (which solely support ICBMs) in order to reallocate the finite quantity of active-duty technicians to bases with a nuclear flying mission?