Armageddon for real: review of “Command and Control” by Eric Schlosser and watching nuclear war

Earlier today I finished Eric Schlosser’s excellent book, Command and Control: Nuclear Weapons, the Damascus Accident, and the Illusion of Safety. Using a deadly 1980 incident at a Titan-II missile silo in Arkansas as the entry point, Schlosser examines the history of nuclear weapons from the Manhattan Project to post-9/11.

Highly readable, the narrative frightens, astonishes and angers in turns. Mishaps and near mishaps are detailed, as are bureaucratic infighting among the military branches, doctrinal disagreements between politicians and generals, and the personal bravery of many who worked to keep the bombs safe from the drawing board to those in and around them in the field.

Schlosser’s vivid recreation of the silo incident at Damascus, Arkansas, is spread throughout the book, an editorial concept that I found brilliant. The focus shifts from that claustrophobic, spiraling-out-of-control situation to overviews of how the United States developed its nuclear warplans and stockpiles, peppered with plenty of stories of mismanagement and mistakes that somehow didn’t end up with a nuclear detonation. Some reviewers found the back-and-forth disorienting, but I thought it worked exceptionally well to tell both stories, the tactical and the strategic, as it were.

Sense, the Stones and Seger

I have a somewhat sketchy memory, which drives my wife in particular nuts. I can recall certain dates from history or who wrote and sang the theme song to “Welcome Back, Kotter” with no problem. But what she asked me to add to the grocery list this morning … ah, more eggs? Greek Yogurt? … Yeah, big problem.

I’m also simply terrible at remembering people’s names; the medical term is prosopagnosia, which is likely the only thing Brad Pitt and I have in common.

Interestingly enough, I also have a couple “sense triggers” in my memory banks. These are sounds or even smells which cause people to recall events or even other sounds or smells from their past. Like the smell of turkey reminding you of Thanksgiving at your Grandmother’s house. (Click here to read more about the link between the senses and memory).

Running into the fire

Sunday is the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. I know many will pause to remember that day, to think about loved ones lost and lives changed forever.

I hope when you pause that you take time out to think about the firefighters and police who lost their lives in the line of duty on that day. Many will think of the military as that horrendous day was the opening act of a conflict that continues to this day.

Even though I am retired Navy and always appreciate when civilians recognize the sacrifices of the men and women who defend our country, and their families, there are other days set aside to recognize the military. I would prefer to see Sept. 11 declared National First Responders Day to honor the firefighters, police, EMTs and anyone else who runs into danger instead of away from it.