N9 Q J c tion To D classification in Full 2013- 11 15_ _ NLC-1 _ -_32-15-1-6 MEMORANDUM OUTSIDE THE SYSTEM THE WHITE HOUSE I WASHINGTON 3 TOP SECRET SENSITIVE MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT FROM ZtHGNIEW BRZEZINSKI SUBJECT Questions From Your NMCC Visit zc B TOP SECR Harold Brown has responded with written answers to clear up the questions raised during your visit to the National Military Command Center at the Pentagon • You need not read through the details I have therefore summed up the crux of the five answers I Vulnerabil · t of infra·red warnin Soviet lasers • I satellites DSP to Jam Although the Soviets could not destroy our DSPs with lasers they have not yet deployed the necessary equipment Our future DSP design incorporates features to reduce not eliminate the jamming effects -- If our current DSPs were jammed a replacement with these improvements could be launched in 45 to 61 days We currently have no plan to build-a capability for laser jamming of soviet infrared satellites II Warning of SLBM attack The resent system a mix of DSPs and ground-based radars gives incomplete coverage A new system which adds two PAVE PAWS radars on the ground will be operational by 1980 It cannot be overflown like the present 474N ground radar network and it will greatly improve our capability although gaps will remain · A four-site PAVE PAWS phased array is also under consideration which would provide essentially complete coverage of SLBM launches TOP SECRET SENSITIVE CODEWORD ATTACHMENT No Objection To Declassification in Full 2013 11 15 NLC-12-32-15-1-6 • -- No Objection To Declassification in Full 2013 JJL I§ NL9- 1- 15-1-6 ·TOP SECR TOP SECRET SENSITIVE III 2 False a1a·rms in our warning system Since activation of BMEWS in 1960 there have been seven false alarms The CINCNORAD assessed confidence was rio in all cases The last false alann was December 1976 IV Secure communications with NEACP Airborne Command Plane You recall that i t was impossible to talk to NEACP on secure voice during the NMCC This was due to HY-2 narrow band secure voice equipment By late June 1978 wide band secure voice equipment will he•installed on NEACP to overcome this ditficulty V Secretar Brown's· communication checks with are away from Was ington ou when ou • During the first 24 hours after your arrival at a trip location the WHCA trip officer normally gives the NMCC in the Pentagon·a chance to make a test call The Secretary of Defense if he makes a test call to you in the future will first check -with your side to determine·your availability These answers raise as many new questions as they resolve I draw one overall conclusion Our c3 I that is our command and control and intelligence warning is not in the best shape It needs constant review and remedial effort Your attention keeps up the right kinds of pressure in the Defense Department 11 TOP SECRET SENSITIVE CODEWORD ATTACHMENT TOP SECRET No Objection To Declassification in Full 2013 11 15 NLC-12-32-15-1-6 I