Thread by @PhillipsPOBrien

Please read. A presentation by Sam Gardner, who is a retired USAF colonel and taught strategy at the National War College, Naval War College and Air War College. Its on a possible use of Russian tactical nukes in Ukraine, and how to respond. Best I've seen on the subject.

Opening summary (these are my summaries--apologies to Sam if I paraphrase wrongly), Russian tactical nukes would basically be to kill civiliansi in a city (Kyiv) more than effect the Ukrainian armies

If used, these weapons would have effect in an area of approx a circular kilometre from airburst

Basically the damage they could inflict on a military airbase--somewhat limited in terms of equipment except close to the airburst.

Putting the damage in context in comparison to an airfield in Latvia or Talinn, the capital of Estonia

Here is what would happen if the Russians used one over the center of Kyiv.

Conclusion. The damage a Russian tactical nuke would do to Kyiv is basically the same as their terror attacks are doing now. NATO would not have to respond with nuclear weapons to retaliate proportionally.

Definitely thought this was worth sharing and appreciate Sam sending it to me.

Most people get the importance of this, but have seen 2 responses that make no sense. 1st is that it is to encourage Ukrainians to keep fighting if they are attacked by these (this is preposterous). 2nd that it calls for too weak a response by not using nukes against Russia.

Not having to get involved in a full nuclear war because the Russians use a tactical nuke on Ukraine is not a bad thing--for Ukraine or the world.

I never thought a paper saying you don’t have to respond to a tactical nuclear usage by escalating to a greater nuclear war (and that’s what it would be as the US doesn’t have such small devices) would get people so upset.

This was not a call to do nothing,But to consider other options such as an overwhelming conventional response. People seem keener than I would like to climb the nuclear ladder and I think it’s worth thinking about something else. That’s all.