Thesis Statement: Conventional nuclear weapons do not play a significant role in the future of warfare; however, asymmetric nuclear tactics will threaten the United States, its allies and ultimately change the balance of power. Discussion: The high cost of maintaining a nuclear arsenal is diverting funds away from immediate threats such as nuclear proliferation and nuclear detection at ports of entry. Terror organizations are attempting to procure Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) to bring into the United States. Our nuclear arsenal is to deter established nuclear powers that do not pose a threat to our security. Conclusion: Nuclear weapons are developed for a large conventional war environment. The cost of development, procurement, and maintenance of such weapons does not justify the result. The production and maintenance of nuclear weapons are obsolete due to conventional munitions advancements and the irregular warfare combat environment. These monies should be redirected toward much needed projects such as counter-proliferation, nuclear security, and nuclear detection at U.S. ports of entry. Counterpoint: The deterrence of the U.S. strategic nuclear capabilities is a threat that we need to maintain. This threat keeps potential enemies from attempting to attack the United States or our allies. As other nations develop the strategic capabilities to launch inter-continental nuclear weapons onto our shores we need to have the capability to deter the threat.

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