ICBM test launch set for Sept 21, World Peace Day

Vandenberg Air Force Base/ Space Command has set the date for the next Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test launch for September 21.  This is World Peace Day.

The LGM-30 Minuteman is a U.S. nuclear missile, a land-based intercontinental ballistic missile(ICBM). As of 2010, the version LGM-30G Minuteman-III is the only land-based ICBM in service in the United States. It is one component of a nuclear triad, which is complemented by the Trident submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and by nuclear weapons carried by long-range strategic bombers.

The letter “L” in “LGM” indicates that the missile is silo-launched; the “G” indicates that it is designed to attack ground targets; the “M” indicates that it is a guided missile.^[1]

The name “Minuteman” comes from the Revolutionary War’s Minutemen. It also refers to its quick reaction time; the missile can be launched in about 1 minute. The Air Force plans to keep the missile in service until at least 2030.^[2][3]

The current US force consists solely of 450 Minuteman-III missiles^[4] in missile silos around F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming; Malmstrom AFB, Montana; and Minot AFB, North Dakota.^[1]

These tests violate the spirit and intent of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty and make the world a more dangerous place.  Please include a protest against this launch in all Sept 21 world Peace events.