Dan Tyler, Stanley

As an oilfield truck driver in the North Central region of North Dakota, I have witnessed recurring and concerning security issues involving airmen assigned to guard nuclear missile silos near Minot. These observations include airmen distracted by personal electronic devices for long periods of time, gear piled on dashboards to block direct sunlight but obstructing visibility, and, in some cases, airmen who appear to be asleep while on duty.

Even more troubling is that during these lapses, service and launch hatches left open expose critical systems and technicians to potential threats. If a breach, resulting in a detonation, were to occur during one of these security lapses, it would cause unimaginable devastation to Minot and its residents as well as the Minot Air Force Base and their families. This is not a risk we can afford to take.

Historical military doctrine underscores the significance of vigilance and the role of deception by an enemy. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War emphasizes: “Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away.” These principles remain highly relevant today, especially in remote regions where adversaries might perceive opportunities for exploitation that appear unlikely to defenders. We cannot assume that our remoteness guarantees safety. Maintaining disciplined and alert security is vital for deterring potential threats.

The missile fields around Minot are critical to our national defense. Yet, despite their remote location, they are high-value targets.

Another pressing concern is the frequent rotation of troops between nuclear bases. This increases the likelihood that these lapses in security are not confined to one missile command. Consistency in security protocols and oversight across all missile wings and commands is essential to safeguarding these vital installations.

The residents of Minot and surrounding communities have long placed their trust in the U.S. Air Force to maintain the security of these critical missile sites. Given the strategic importance of these installations, it is essential that any identified issues be addressed promptly and effectively. I respectfully urge state leaders and the Department of Defense to increase oversight of security protocols, enhance training on situational awareness, and ensure stricter compliance across all missile wings and commands.