Dr. Mattox Works with NE Cadets

Dr. John Mattox from the National Defense University conducted an interactive exercise entitled "Making Sense of Deterrence" for forty-one cadets enrolled in the Nuclear Weapon Effects Course. Cadets enrolled in the course represent a cross section of academic majors. During the exercise, the cadets were presented with multiple academic points of view regarding deterrence theory and offered several thought provoking questions regarding deterrence and nuclear weapons which they discussed in small groups. The exercise culminated with a Looney Tunes cartoon starring Sam the Sheep Dog comically thwarting Wiley E. Coyote's attempts to steal sheep along with the real question of "how do you stop the coyote from attempting to steal sheep?" Cadets vigorously offered several amusing solutions, but the main point of "understanding the adversary's mindset is central to deterrence" was well understood. At the end of the exercise, cadets gained a better appreciation of the purpose and strategic importance of our nation's nuclear weapon complex and stockpile.