# Is the nuclear missile launch procedure in the film Wargames accurate? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 14, 2013, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471 "2013-07-14T14:33:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dog80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/1 "2013-07-14T14:33:46Z")
The relevant scene from the movie: [Michael Madsen in Wargames - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReJ3RltihME) Is this really what a cold-war era missile control room looked like? Also is the launch procedure accurate? ---
**Author:** ![BlakeTyner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@BlakeTyner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlakeTyner)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/2 "2013-07-14T15:29:08Z")
Looks pretty close. The consoles in the room look like the real deal, although the computer system in the movie was probably more sophisticated than in real life. The message would come in with an authentication code, as seen, and then would be authenticated by both men from a matching code in a safe or lockbox, as seen. It also did require the simultaneous turning of 2 or 4 keys in order to launch. ETA: and by the time a valid nuclear launch order is transmitted, the order itself has been issued by National Command Authority under the two-man rule, their identities verified via the “biscuit” cards they’re issued, and the nuclear “football” opened. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/3 "2013-07-14T18:39:34Z")
Standard procedure. President Bartlett (not shown on camera) gave the orders and Leo McGarry would launch the missiles. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/4 "2013-07-14T19:40:05Z")
> [@BlakeTyner](#): > > ETA: and by the time a valid nuclear launch order is transmitted, the order itself has been issued by National Command Authority under the two-man rule, their identities verified via the “biscuit” cards they’re issued, and the nuclear “football” opened. The “football” is only used when POTUS is away from from [a fixed command center](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_football). ---
**Author:** ![BlakeTyner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@BlakeTyner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlakeTyner)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/5 "2013-07-14T19:44:29Z")
> [@Duckster](#): > > The “football” is only used when POTUS is away from from [a fixed command center](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_football). Good call. If he’s away from home, the expectation was that he’d get aboard [NAOC](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Airborne_Operations_Center) (making it Air Force One.) As I recall, the only limitation to how long he could stay airborne would be engine oil, as they can refuel mid-flight and they have enough food/water to outlast the engines. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/6 "2013-07-14T20:03:04Z")
Does anyone have a cite for the “two-man rule” as regards the President and the SECDEF and ordering of nuclear strikes? ---
**Author:** ![BlakeTyner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@BlakeTyner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlakeTyner)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/7 "2013-07-14T21:09:00Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Does anyone have a cite for the “two-man rule” as regards the President and the SECDEF and ordering of nuclear strikes? “Directions for military operations emanate from the National Command Authority, a term used to collectively describe the President and the Secretary of Defense.” [http://www.defense.gov/about/dod101.aspx](http://www.defense.gov/about/dod101.aspx) More info: [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,101361-1,00.html](http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,101361-1,00.html) ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/8 "2013-07-14T22:05:05Z")
thanks for the links, but neither of them say “The President must have his nuclear strike order confirmed by someone else” The reason i am asking for a cite, is that I’ve read this “rule” on several topics on this board, and am surprised that anyone “in the know” of our country’s nuclear authorization process would be willing and/or allowed to post it on a public message board. I was just curious if this rule is actually stated anywhere publicly, and not something that everyone just “knows” ---
**Author:** ![BlakeTyner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@BlakeTyner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlakeTyner)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/9 "2013-07-14T22:25:54Z")
> [@](#): > > The NCA consists only of the President and the Secretary of Defense or their duly deputized alternates or successors. The chain of command runs from the President to the Secretary of Defense (SecDef) and through the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Commanders of the Unified and Specified Commands. \*The channel of communication for execution of the Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP) and other time-sensitive operations shall be from the NCA \*through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, representing the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to the executing commanders. > —Section 3.1, Department of Defense Directive Number 5100.30 December 2, 1971[1] NCA = National Command Authority = POTUS and SECDEF Single Integrated Operational Plan (it has since been renamed) = nuclear strike plans. I mean…not sure it gets a lot more clear than that. If the order from POTUS didn’t have to be verified by SECDEF, then what would be the point in their carrying “biscuits” with their ID numbers? ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/10 "2013-07-14T22:37:37Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > thanks for the links, but neither of them say “The President must have his nuclear strike order confirmed by someone else” > > The reason i am asking for a cite, is that I’ve read this “rule” on several topics on this board, and am surprised that anyone “in the know” of our country’s nuclear authorization process would be willing and/or allowed to post it on a public message board. > > I was just curious if this rule is actually stated anywhere publicly, and not something that everyone just “knows” Unfortunately I can’t find a cite. But my recollection is the President can launch a nuclear strike on his sole authority against a country that has already launched a nuclear attack against the United States or an ally. The President needs a second person to confirm his order if he’s launching a first strike. ---
**Author:** ![DataX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@DataX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DataX)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/11 "2013-07-14T22:52:57Z")
I can’t find a cite either. One could argue that any rule made by the executive branch - can be redone pretty much at the sayso of the president. One could also argue that any sort of presidential war powers - without a declaration of war by congress - would probably not include first strike nuclear weapons. So my guess is that even if Barack was live on video conference with his authentication codes - to whoever needed them - it might not be convincing enough to the person n the other end. “You want us to nuke Belize?” Depending on how the PALs are set up - it might not even be possible. I think the idea of the two man rule - at pretty much every level makes sense. You’d have to have backups in place - as you’d need more than just the Defense Secretary to be able to confirm in case he isn’t available. Supposedly Carter once (or maybe Reagan) - left his nuclear launch codes in his suit to be dry cleaned. I’d like to think that you’d need more than just that, the correct phone number, and a good Carter inpersonation to nuke someone. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/12 "2013-07-14T22:54:03Z")
> [@BlakeTyner](#): > > NCA = National Command Authority = POTUS and SECDEF > Single Integrated Operational Plan (it has since been renamed) = nuclear strike plans. > > I mean…not sure it gets a lot more clear than that. If the order from POTUS didn’t have to be verified by SECDEF, then what would be the point in their carrying “biscuits” with their ID numbers? Thank you for the link, however that publication edition is woefully out of date. In fact, the operational chain of command does NOT flow through the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I just checked at it looks like the latest version of the DoD Directive is Jan 5, 2005, but it must be FOUO or something, because i can’t access without PKI cert. As for carrying of the “biscuits” my point is that information is most certainly classified, and the only people who know are not allowed to post it anyway. Little Nemo, thanks for the input. That’s usually what I hear, different rules regarding first strike, or response or whatever. Just curious how everyone just matter-of-factly states “Two-man rule” whenever one of these topics come up. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/13 "2013-07-14T22:59:51Z")
> [@DataX](#): > > I can’t find a cite either. One could argue that any rule made by the executive branch - can be redone pretty much at the sayso of the president. > > One could also argue that any sort of presidential war powers - without a declaration of war by congress - would probably not include first strike nuclear weapons. > > So my guess is that even if Barack was live on video conference with his authentication codes - to whoever needed them - it might not be convincing enough to the person n the other end. “You want us to nuke Belize?” > > Depending on how the PALs are set up - it might not even be possible. I think the idea of the two man rule - at pretty much every level makes sense. You’d have to have backups in place - as you’d need more than just the Defense Secretary to be able to confirm in case he isn’t available. > > Supposedly Carter once (or maybe Reagan) - left his nuclear launch codes in his suit to be dry cleaned. I’d like to think that you’d need more than just that, the correct phone number, and a good Carter inpersonation to nuke someone. thanks for the input. I would also like to think there are safeguards in place, but i doubt that the exact requirements of Nuclear Command and Control procedures would be known to the general public, and the people who DO know cannot post them on a public message board as is done whenever this topic comes up. ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/14 "2013-07-14T23:31:14Z")
> [@DataX](#): > > Supposedly Carter once (or maybe Reagan) - left his nuclear launch codes in his suit to be dry cleaned. I’d like to think that you’d need more than just that, the correct phone number, and a good Carter inpersonation to nuke someone. I think that you should know that nuclear launch protocols required a really, \*\*really \*\*good Carter impersonation. Feel better? ---
**Author:** ![Hail\_Ants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/dc4da7/32.png) [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2013, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/15 "2013-07-15T03:34:25Z")
> [@Dog80](#): > > The relevant scene from the movie: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReJ3RltihME](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReJ3RltihME) > > Is this really what a cold-war era missile control room looked like? Also is the launch procedure accurate? I think that scene was filmed at the [Titan Missile Museum](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titan_Missile_Museum) in Arizona. Although decommissioned it _was_ an actual US Air Force missile base (in fact it would launch a Titan II with a 9MT warhead, the biggest ever deployed by the US). I visited that museum about 20+ years ago and as part of the tour they used to play the audio from that scene in the film in the missile launch room. Although de-fueled and deactivated the Titan missile is still in the silo (with an empty nosecone/warhead), and the blast door covering it has to be left halfway open (and blocked) so that Russian satellites can constantly verify such… ---
**Author:** ![Dog80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2013, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/16 "2013-07-15T04:46:54Z")
> [@BlakeTyner](#): > > The message would come in with an authentication code, as seen, and then would be authenticated by both men from a matching code in a safe or lockbox, as seen. It also did require the simultaneous turning of 2 or 4 keys in order to launch. Where does that message come from? Is it spoken by a live person or is it a recording? ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2013, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/17 "2013-07-15T10:33:42Z")
> [@BlakeTyner](#): > > Looks pretty close. The consoles in the room look like the real deal, although the computer system in the movie was probably more sophisticated than in real life. Agreed. I flew to South Dakota a few weeks ago and toured an (inert) Minuteman Launch facility. The movie room has a lot of moody lighting and is much bigger, but a lot of it is accurate. The launch control room is really pretty small. This [picture](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a162/rbp2/SouthDakota/SAM_3012_zps454a6665.jpg) is from one end, and it’s only wide enough to have bunks (on the right). The [keys](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a162/rbp2/SouthDakota/SAM_3013_zpsa0965724.jpg) are 12 feet apart and must be turned together as in the movies (pic only shows one key panel). One of the controller’s [chairs](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a162/rbp2/SouthDakota/SAM_3011_zpsc462e638.jpg) was able to slide on rails along the length of the room, presumably to access all the ancient computer [hardware.](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a162/rbp2/SouthDakota/SAM_3015_zps3fe6e6a0.jpg) One thing I found interesting was that the [blast door](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a162/rbp2/SouthDakota/SAM_3008_zps695b8fe1.jpg) was always closed, with the exception of delivering meals, and it could only be opened when all the other doors in the squadron were confirmed closed. (squadron members were allowed to decorate the doors as they saw fit) Just opening the door to deliver dinner required co-ordination with other sites across multiple states. If I haven’t bored you enough yet, [here’s](http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a162/rbp2/SouthDakota/SAM_3001_zpsbea51703.jpg) a view down into the silo from above. ---
**Author:** ![Francis\_Vaughan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/francis_vaughan/32/3093_2.png) [@Francis\_Vaughan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francis_Vaughan)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2013, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/18 "2013-07-15T11:29:53Z")
> [@Dog80](#): > > Where does that message come from? Is it spoken by a live person or is it a recording? One assumes it must be spoken live. Otherwise the recording itself becomes a single key capable of launching. One would assume the protocol involved the creation of the spoken key codes from a set of key codes kept in the master command centres or the presidential football. Only when the correct set of components is combined would a valid code be created. No single individual or facility would have them all. Clearly the actual implementation details are deeply classified. But the principle isn’t hard. ---
**Author:** ![BlakeTyner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@BlakeTyner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlakeTyner)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2013, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/19 "2013-07-15T13:13:43Z")
> [@Dog80](#): > > Where does that message come from? Is it spoken by a live person or is it a recording? That’s a good question. I’m going on assumptions, but in the event that we weren’t caught completely off-guard, the protocol is for the message to come through via written words. This can be done several ways. For example, based on a program about Air Force One, the communications suite aboard that plane (and, one would assume, NAOC) features the high-tech secure sat. communications, but also plain old Ham radios, and the operator knows Morse code. In the event of a first strike with EMP, there’s always a chance the modern tech could be rendered useless. Boomer submarines would get the Emergency Action Message via, what is it–ultra low frequency radio? They have a special antenna for that. Now, if the SHTF, I’d also assume that the orders can come in verbally, with the authentication codes spoken and read back for confirmation. I think the basic premise behind doing it in writing is that there’s no inflection…no tone…no emotion. ---
**Author:** ![AdamF](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/adamf/32/6246_2.png) [@AdamF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AdamF)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2013, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471/20 "2013-07-15T17:04:10Z")
> [@Dog80](#): > > Also is the launch procedure accurate? There are a few things off. The biggest one is the absence of a launch code. In the film, the missile crew only receives the choice of target (which refers to targeting info that is pre-calculated and stored in their computers) and an authorization code ( which they check against those plastic cards). This procedure would allow them to launch missiles on their own initiative. In real life, they also received a launch code that was used to decrypt the targeting data and warhead safety locks (IIRC). [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nuclear-missile-launch-procedure-in-the-film-wargames-accurate/663471.md?page=2)