Reforming the US nuclear weapons enterprise

Management and governance problems within the nuclear weapons enterprise are complex and cross jurisdictional boundaries. These problems have been repeatedly studied and are the target of yet another study, coming to completion as this article was being written. The studies agree on many of the steps that must be taken if the US nuclear weapons complex is to be reformed. What the government needs now is leadership determined to actually implement the necessary changes within the NNSA, its labs and plants, and the Energy Department for reform to succeed. Successful implementation requires the creation of champions who are empowered to effect real change, and institutionalized means of monitoring progress on implementation. Once the recommendations of the latest study are issued, Congress should establish an independent group to monitor progress on implementation.