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May 4, 2026
Aging Nuclear Fleet and Transition Plan to Replacements

How can the U.S. maintain a relevant and credible nuclear deterrent amidst delays and approaching initial operating capability dates for critical replacement systems like Sentinel, B-21, and the Long-Range Stand-Off weapon?
May 4, 2026
Mobile Nuclear Posture, CONUS Deployment Constraints, and Movement Security

How must the United States evaluate the strategic necessity and domestic constraints of developing a road-mobile ICBM system, while simultaneously optimizing the logistical sustainment, tactical security, and physical transport methods required to safely move nuclear assets in increasingly contested
May 4, 2026
Is the USAF Meeting Congress' Intent to Properly Resource, Man, Fund and Equip AFGSC to Support 2/3 of Nuclear Enterprise?

Despite clear congressional intent to consolidate nuclear deterrence responsibilities under AFGSC, why have the command's authorities and responsibilities been altered or diminished over time, and what specific changes are needed to restore its intended function as the single lead MAJCOM for the
May 4, 2026
Overcoming the Nuclear Enterprise Sustainment Crisis: MMIII Supply, COTS, and Institutional Bottlenecks

How can the Air Force overcome the Minuteman III sustainment crisis and severe supply bottlenecks to maintain the weapon system until 2052 by implementing long-term institutional changes, exploring interim targeting solutions, and reforming rigid approval processes to allow tactical-level COTS and
May 4, 2026
Nuclear Ethics, Utility, and the "No First Use" Dilemma

How must the United States evaluate the strategic and ethical implications of adopting a "No First Use" nuclear policy on extended allied deterrence, while simultaneously assessing the future necessity and structural viability of the land-based ICBM leg within a modernized nuclear triad?
May 4, 2026
Nuclear Proliferation in the Middle East

What are the primary drivers and potential consequences of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, and what comprehensive strategies can be developed to effectively mitigate these risks?
May 4, 2026
Safeguarding AFCYBER's Critical Infrastructure

How can the NIST-evaluated post-quantum cryptography algorithms, such as CRYSTALS-Kyber, be most effectively implemented within AFCYBER's critical digital infrastructure to ensure robust cybersecurity against future quantum threats?
May 4, 2026
Historical Studies for Space

By examining the historical development of civil and military satellite tracking, including the impact of Sputnik and lessons from the post-Vietnam era, how should the USSF evolve its collaborative tracking efforts and prepare for future contested space operations?
May 4, 2026
Modeling and Simulating Multi-Competitor Deterrence in a Dynamic Geopolitical National Security Environment

How can a multi-dimensional, multi-party wargaming model be developed to simulate the dynamic geopolitical environment of the 21st century, enabling senior leaders to more effectively deter multiple competitors and operate inside their decision cycles?
May 4, 2026
Resourcing and Deterrence Prioritization in the Nuclear Enterprise

How must the Department of the Air Force balance strategic resourcing and optimize long-term budgetary trade-offs between the physical security, sustainment, and certification of nuclear weapons versus the acquisition and survivability of modernized delivery platforms (such as Sentinel, B-21, and