STRATCOM

• Origins in the Cold War: United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) traces its origins to the Strategic Air Command (SAC), established in 1946 to oversee America's strategic bomber force during the Cold War. • Formation in 1992: USSTRATCOM was officially activated on June 1, 1992, following the end of the Cold War, by merging SAC and the United States Space Command’s nuclear responsibilities. • Global Nuclear Deterrence: USSTRATCOM is responsible for the global command and control of U.S. strategic nuclear forces, ensuring credible nuclear deterrence. • Expanded Mission Set: In 2002, USSTRATCOM’s responsibilities expanded to include global strike, missile defense, space operations, information operations, and combating weapons of mass destruction. • Headquarters: USSTRATCOM is headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base, near Omaha, Nebraska, which was also the home of its predecessor, SAC. • Presidential Communication: The command maintains the ability to communicate with the President of the United States at all times, including through airborne command posts like "Looking Glass." • Cyber Operations: Before the creation of U.S. Cyber Command in 2010, STRATCOM was the lead for Department of Defense cyber operations. • Space and Missile Defense: USSTRATCOM was initially responsible for military space operations and missile defense, but those roles were later transferred to the new U.S. Space Command in 2019. • Global Partnerships: STRATCOM regularly conducts strategic deterrence exercises with allies such as the United Kingdom and France to ensure interoperability and readiness. • Unique Emblem: The STRATCOM emblem features a mailed fist holding lightning bolts, symbolizing the command’s readiness and global strike capability, echoing its SAC heritage.