Symposium to discuss nuclear deterrence Published Jan. 28, 2016 By Ryan Stark Nucleus writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Military personnel and civilians can learn about America's nuclear weapons arsenal and how to respond to threats of nuclear bombs from other nations in a symposium from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in the 377th Air Base Wing Headquarters building. The Kirtland-based School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies is presenting the symposium, which is open to anyone interested. There is no charge to attend, and no pre-registration is needed, but seating is limited. SANDS Director Adam Lowther said creating greater awareness is at the heart of the event. "When it is over, attendees should be able to explain to their mother in Des Moines why the United States has a nuclear arsenal and how it contributes to the nation's security," he said. Lowther added that general knowledge about nuclear weapons has decreased since the Cold War ended. "The focus of the American public has shifted away from nuclear deterrence and toward terrorism," he said. He points to Russia's public statements about using nuclear weapons following that country's annexation of Crimea as one example of why people in and out of the military should become more familiar with nuclear weapons doctrine. That way, service personnel and civilians who work in nuclear fields will know better how to respond to such threats. Subjects will include a basic overview of deterrence, the "nuclear triad" of air-, land- and sea-based weapons and denuclearization efforts, among other subjects. Eight presenters will lead the symposium. SANDS opened at Kirtland last year in an effort by the Air Force to increase comprehensive knowledge of the nuclear enterprise by teaching military and civilians alike. For more information, call 846-8355.