This course will survey the elements of the strategic nuclear triad used by both the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War (1945-1992) that maintained peace through deterrence. All remain in place today. The three elements are the manned strategic bomber; the intercontinental ballistic missile; and the submarine-launched ballistic missile. The course will examine respective triad concepts, organization, benefits, and limitations, along with a survey of the systems (aircraft, missiles, and ballistic missile submarines) used by the United States during the Cold War. The course will also survey US defenses deployed to counter elements of the Soviet nuclear triad.