Debate intensifies over nuclear testing.

• Author: Fein, Geoff S.
• Position: Security Beat

The National Nuclear Security Administration would resume nuclear testing if it detected a "critical problem" with a weapon in the stockpile, according to the head of the NNSA.

Ambassador Linton Brooks told a media roundtable in Washington, D.C., that the NNSA is trying to stay consistent with the policy espoused in the Nuclear Posture Review. "We are trying to preserve the capability to adapt to changing circumstances," he said. "[We are] trying to preserve it in terms of testing, because if we were to discover a problem with the stockpile that needed testing, it takes us about 18 months to diagnose such a problem. So, we want to be able to test at the end of that period."

It takes 18 months to figure out what the problem is and design the test. "From my perspective, shortening the period doesn't [do] anything because I wouldn't be ready to test anyhow," he said. "But lengthening the period extends the time in which I might have a problem with the stockpile that I can only fully understand."

Brooks admitted that he does not know whether a problem in the stockpile would even be discovered. But "we want to be ready to deal with it," he said.

There is absolutely no reason to believe that there is a near-term need to face the decision of resuming nuclear testing, said Brooks.

"My lab directors and I are unanimous that there is no need now. There is no condition in the stockpile that would call for a resumption of nuclear testing," he said. "I am pretty sure that will be true next year and the year after...