AP 7-28,2015
Working to reinvigorate its nuclear force after years of missteps and scandal, the Air Force is putting a four-star general in charge for the first time since the end of the Cold War. His mission: Restore institutional muscle and assert more influence.
The Air Force nuclear bomber and missile command operates and manages its 450 Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missiles at bases in Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota.
Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James tells the Associated Press that having a four-star in charge of this command “will be crucial, because rank matters.
Gen. Robin Rand is a career fighter pilot though he has never served in the nuclear force. He takes over Tuesday, replacing Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson.
