Latest news with #Ollerenshaw
The Hill
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
America is prepared for a strike on our nuclear weapons
In a recent op-ed for The Hill, ' America Isn't Prepared for a Strike Against our Nuclear Weapons,' freelance journalist Ben Ollerenshaw argued that the U.S. is woefully unprepared for the nuclear threats facing the nation because it relies on a 'single point of failure: the nuclear command, control and communications systems.' He explains that the nation is dependent on highly vulnerable E-6B Mercury command-and-control aircraft that, because they are now on 'ground alert' rather than flying 24/7, make easy targets for a surprise nuclear, drone or missile attack. Should such an attack occur, Ollerenshaw argues that the president could no longer employ the nation's nuclear weapons. Fortunately, this is simply untrue. The nuclear command, control and communications system has far more ways to transmit presidential orders. The system connects sensors and shooters with decision-makers using a detect, decide, and direct framework. Detection harnesses sensors that identify and correlate adversary launches to facilitate warning. Once detection is established and the assessment is made, senior leaders confer, review plans and determine appropriate courses of action during the decision process. Finally, presidential decisions are transmitted through the system to the nuclear forces charged with weapons employment, under any circumstance or environment, guaranteed. To accomplish this audacious mission, the system must be survivable, prompt and flexible. Keep in mind that the nation's nuclear command, control and communications system is essentially a system of systems resembling a spider web. If one strand is broken, there are other strands a president can use to ensure a message is transmitted to forces in the field. Historically, it was thought of as having a 'thick line' during times of peace, and a survivable 'thin line' during times of war, should a Soviet nuclear attack devastate the U.S. In peacetime, the National Military Command Center at the Pentagon and the Global Operations Center at US Strategic Command serve as the primary command and control centers for the nation's nuclear forces. These facilities are not designed to survive direct nuclear strikes, but for the last seven decades, they and their predecessors performed the job in times of peace and crisis. During the Cold War (1961-1990), the country also maintained EC-135 command-and-control aircraft in continuous airborne operations, flying around the clock, seven days a week. The airborne command post mirrored the capabilities of the Global Operations Center, so that if the latter was destroyed in a nuclear attack, the Airborne Emergency Action Officer could take over and perform the duties of commander for the Strategic Air Command. The Looking Glass aircraft were an insurance policy against a surprise Soviet nuclear strike. They enhanced second-strike capability, strengthened strategic stability, and provided a psychological and political signal. The continuous presence of Looking Glass sent a clear signal of American resolve, vigilance and readiness to respond, reinforcing the overall framework of strategic deterrence. This did not, however, mean that the National Military Command Center, Global Operations Center and Looking Glass aircraft were the only ways for the president to command and control nuclear forces. It was, in fact, expected that both the National Military Command Center and Global Operations Center would be destroyed early in a Soviet nuclear strike, and that the command post aircraft would quickly take over. There was, however, always a concern that the aircraft would either be destroyed by Soviet aircraft or missiles or simply run out of fuel for lack of remaining and available aerial refueling capability. So it should come as no surprise that the Air Force devised 'backups to our backups' and spent considerable time working through all plausible scenarios where not only were the National Military Command Center and the Global Operations Center destroyed in an attack, but so were the KC-135s and now E-6B fleet. In our own careers, we have participated in wargames, exercises and working groups where just such events occurred. It is also important to understand that U.S. Strategic Command, the joint staff, and other elements of the national command authority regularly conduct exercises under conditions that mimic catastrophic events. This means the uniformed and civilian personnel who operate the nuclear command, control and communications system regularly train to operate in degraded conditions. The 2022 Nuclear Posture Review, released under the Biden administration, reiterated a longstanding policy that 'while the United States maintains the capability to launch nuclear forces under conditions of an ongoing nuclear attack, it does not rely on a launch-under-attack policy to ensure a credible response. Rather, U.S. nuclear forces are postured to withstand an initial attack.' For decades, the U.S. opted for redundancy to meet its resilience requirement. Redundant systems, redundant command nodes, and redundant communication pathways require consistent resourcing and persistent exercise if America is to retain its noble intent to 'ride out' a first strike. There is no deterrence without a credible threat of existential retaliation. That means America's nuclear command, control and communications systems must always work after a first strike on the homeland. From nuclear arsenal resourcing to force posture and launch policy, America's deterrent cannot depend on hope to survive; it must depend on action. That is exactly how the system is designed. Adam Lowther, Ph.D., is the vice president of research at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. He spent two decades as a civil servant in the Department of Defense nuclear enterprise. Col. (Ret.) Curtis McGiffin is the vice president of education at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. He flew nuclear command-and-control aircraft during his career.
New Straits Times
16-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Malaysia must adopt Japan's vision to sustain football growth, says former Socceroo
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's football revolution is gathering steam, and former Australian international Scott Ollerenshaw believes it's not just hype, but a glimpse into what could be a golden era for the national team. With Harimau Malaya's stunning 4-0 win over Vietnam in Tuesday's Asian Cup qualifier, powered by a new wave of naturalised and heritage players, Ollerenshaw says Malaysia may finally be on the right track if they keep their eye on both the present and the future. "The short and medium term is about these mixed-blood players creating hysteria, and that's not a bad thing," said Ollerenshaw, who has been involved in Malaysian football for over two decades. "They're winning, playing in top leagues, and getting 61,000 fans into Bukit Jalil. You can't ignore the energy that creates. This is essential groundwork." Rodrigo Holgado, Joao Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Facundo Garces and Imanol Machuca starred in the blowout against Vietnam — a match that many believe has changed public perception overnight. But Ollerenshaw said naturalisation is not the ultimate solution. "This isn't about passports. It's about building something lasting," he said. "Yes, they came in and made a difference — physicality, tempo, technique — it was next level. But we need to back it with structure, coaching and development." He hailed coach Peter Cklamovski's ability to integrate the newcomers quickly. "To get that kind of performance after five, six days together — pressing hard, winning the ball back, attacking with hunger — it was exceptional," he said. "I've never seen Malaysia play like that. Credit to the staff. That jigsaw puzzle came together fast." Ollerenshaw compared Malaysia's evolution to other Asian nations. He cited Japan and South Korea as gold standards, having moved beyond naturalisation by investing in elite youth pipelines and footballing ecosystems. "Look at what Japan did in the 1990s with the Japan FA reform. Or Korea after the 2002 World Cup. They now produce world-class players through their own systems," he said. "That's what Malaysia must aim for. Naturalisation is a spark, but you need the engine behind it." Indonesia have reaped quick gains from their naturalised Dutch-Indonesian influx, while Singapore once flourished with foreign talent under the FA of Singapore's merit-based selection. But others, like China, have since pulled back due to integration issues and local development concerns. Malaysia's National Football Development Programme (NFDP) is a good first step, he added, but more is needed, especially with club-linked academies, coaching pathways, and grassroots integration. "Some Malaysians say they want the team to move forward. But for that to happen, everyone must move forward," said Ollerenshaw. "The players are showing the way. Now it's time for the fans, the clubs, and the system to follow."
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Is Sabah FC in turmoil?
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah FC have dismissed talk of financial turmoil amid the Malaysian Football League (MFL) confirming the Rhinos as one of four Super League sides to secure an AFC Club Licence for the 2025-2026 Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2). "Sabah always fulfil their obligations and are aware of them, unlike some other clubs. "We're one of four to receive the AFC licence, so I don't think there's any problem. Not saying we're perfect, but the management knows what needs to be done, and the players are always taken care of," said Sabah technical director Scott Ollerenshaw. However, the East Malaysian club's off-field issue amid the exits of key players and speculation about further departures, including Stuart Wilkin, Dominic Tan, Saddil Ramdani, Joao Pedro and Telmo Castanheira, hang over them like a cloud. "Pedro had an opportunity in Vietnam. It was a football decision. "Saddil? It's not official. He's been here five years, and it's normal for players to want a new challenge. I love him, but if he's ready to move on, maybe it's time. "On Stuart and Dominic, those are only rumours. We'll have to wait and see," said Ollerenshaw. Midfielder Castanheira's Facebook post sparked speculation after he alluded to problems at the club. "Amazing season with this group of players who, despite so many problems, never stopped. Thanks to the fans for always supporting me. Regarding the club's difficult situation, I hope they resolve it quickly and fulfil their obligations," wrote Castanheira. Ollerenshaw confirmed that the management is aware of their obligations, and are committed to smart planning and financial discipline for the new season. Meanwhile Sabah team manager Rafie Robert announced his departure on Facebook, confirming April 20 as his last day with the club. "Thank you Sabah. April 20 was my last day as team manager. Congratulations to the players and coaches for another top-three finish. Also, thank you to the fans for always supporting us. I appreciate the trust given to me this season. It was a valuable experience," posted Rafie. Sabah wrapped up the Super League season in third place for the third year running, behind champions JDT and Selangor.
