For two decades, the US nuclear launch code was simply eight zeros.
In short: In 1962, President John F. Kennedy mandated that all US nuclear weapons be equipped with Permissive Action Links to prevent unauthorized launches. This video explains the surprising reality of how those security measures were implemented across the Minuteman missile fleet.
Following the signing of National Security Action Memorandum 160 in 1962, the United States sought to secure its nuclear arsenal by installing Permissive Action Links (PALs). These devices were designed to ensure that a missile could only be launched if the correct code was entered by authorized personnel.
Despite the intent to bolster security, the launch code for all Minuteman silos remained 00000000 for nearly 20 years. This configuration highlights the tension between maintaining strict security protocols and ensuring that nuclear weapons remained ready for immediate use during the Cold War era.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: For Nearly 20 Years the Nuclear Launch Code at all Minuteman Silos in the United States Was 00000000
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