Teams from across the United States Air Force recently collaborated on a comprehensive rewrite of Nuclear Security Operations Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) to ensure readiness of the land-based portion of the nuclear triad.
The TTP review takes place every two years. Each rewrite refines capabilities and mission requirements, ensuring nuclear security operations remain agile, relevant and resilient to better deter threats and safeguard one of the nation’s most critical strategic assets. The aim is to reinforce the foundation of the critical nuclear mission and ensure that new processes reflect significant technological advances and new implementations within the field.
Participants in the February 2026 exercise, which took place at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, included Airmen from across the U.S. Air Force missile wings, intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) operations, helicopter pilots, security forces personnel and subject matter experts. In addition to Minot, divisions represented included Malstrom Air Force Base, Montana; and F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.
The cross-functional, cross-installation approach of the updated TTPs reflect operational realities in the field and integrate expertise from defenders, operators and aviation partners who execute the nuclear security and deterrence mission.
“We have massive updates to the nuclear enterprise with Air Force Global Strike Command,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Chad Lyon, chief of weapons and tactics for ICBM security forces operations at the 20th Air Force, according to a news release. “It’s very important that we update these TTPs and continue to grow during the modernization efforts.”
New Payload Transports, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and the Armored Utility Vehicles comprise notable updates for this rewrite. These platforms enhance mobility, protection and response capabilities for missile field operations. Also, ongoing modernization to prepare for the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM to replace the Minuteman III ICBM requires updated procedures that align with emerging infrastructure, technology and operational concepts.
“Nuclear Security Operations are drastically different from how they were even four years ago,” Lyon said. “As all of the new equipment and procedures come online, new weapon systems, vehicles and new technologies, we need to make sure that the tactical-level defenders know how to properly execute those tools and tactics.”
The U.S. nuclear deterrent is foundational to the nation’s defense. Each leg of the triad — land, sea and air — provides unique and complementary strengths, ensuring the resilience, effectiveness, survivability and flexibility required to address strategic challenges. Modernization of the deterrent, including the nuclear command, control and communications (NC3) enterprise, ensures the nation’s ability to defend the homeland, deter aggression, assure Allies and partners, and, if necessary, respond should deterrence fail.
“Maintaining operational readiness while simultaneously modernizing U.S. warheads, delivery platforms, and NC3 in an environment where potential adversaries are increasing the role, diversity, and size of their nuclear arsenals is critical to our success,” U.S. Navy Adm. Richard Correll, Commander of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), said in a February 2026 statement to Congress. “Through the modernization of the nuclear triad, the enhancement of NC3 systems, and the development and integration of advanced capabilities such as hypersonic weapons and counter-unmanned systems, USSTRATCOM is addressing the threats of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.”