Strategic Preparedness During the Cold War: Understanding Alerts, Readiness States, and the Role of Bombers

During the Cold War, the strategic preparedness of bomber pilots was a crucial aspect of military readiness. This period saw the adoption of different alert states and readiness levels by both the Soviet Union and the United States. Here, we explore the stark differences in their strategies and the operational realities faced by these pilots.

Alert States in the Soviet Union

The Soviet Union maintained a straightforward system for alert status. A bomber on alert was fully prepared to launch; it had been fuelled, and the crew was present at the base. This readiness required about two hours, and roughly half of their bombers were on alert while the other half was not. In the latter case, the crew did not need to be present, which meant the bomber was not immediately ready for launch.

Complexity in the US Strategic System

Unlike the Soviet Union, the US had a more nuanced approach to alert states, which included multiple levels of readiness. These states were designed to provide different levels of responsiveness to potential threats.

15-Minute Alert (15MA)

In the 15-minute alert status, bombers were fuelled and armed and stood ready to launch within 15 minutes. The crews, under this readiness state, had to be present in alert facilities, which were typically barracks located next to runways. These facilities were initially underground to provide protection against enemy action.

The bombers themselves were kept near the runway, ready for immediate action. This level of readiness was a show of deterrence, indicating that the US was prepared to respond to any potential threat at very short notice.

2-Hour Alert (2HA)

The 2-hour alert state was another readiness level. Here, the bombers were ready for launch but not fuelled or armed. The crews had to be on base but not in the alert facilities. They remained on standby, ready to be mobilized at a moment's notice.

While this state provided less immediate response capability than the 15-minute alert, it still offered a significant degree of readiness and flexibility. The system allowed for rapid fueling and arming once the decision to launch was made.

8-Hour Alert (8HA)

The 8-hour alert state was the most relaxed of the three. Bombers were required to undergo a full maintenance check before they could be armed and fuelled. This state meant that crews did not need to be present on base, as the bombers could be prepared to launch within the next eight hours if necessary.

Operational Realities

The operational realities of these alert states were significant. For instance, the bombers on the alert pad had crews in an alert shack. A truck was parked outside with a ramp for quick access. The truck took approximately seven minutes to get to the aircraft, with the engines pre-fueled and ready for immediate start.

The aircraft was preflighted and the avionics were warmed up. Once the engines were ready, it took only a few minutes to start and be out of the chocks. However, the engines were not running until the moment they were required to start.

At certain times during the Cold War, General Curtis LeMay kept a few B-52 aircraft in a constant state of readiness through holding pattern missions, known as Operation Chrome Dome. These aircraft were fully fueled and ready to launch, with KC-135 refuelling tankers also on alert to ensure they could reach their targets without needing to refuel.

Conclusion

The strategic preparedness during the Cold War was a delicate balance of readiness and response. Both the Soviet Union and the United States adopted different alert states to ensure they were as prepared as possible to counter potential threats. Understanding these systems is crucial to comprehending the operational realities and strategic decisions made by both powers during this tense period in history.