The Keys to Armageddon: A Cold War Nuclear Missile Officer's Story (391)

The Keys to Armageddon: A Cold War Nuclear Missile Officer's Story (391)

Jim is a former Minuteman nuclear missile officer who served in the US Air Force. Throughout the episode, Jim shares first-hand accounts of life in the launch control centre. From evaluations to the strict checklist orientations, every aspect of his training was designed to ensure that he and his crew were prepared for the weighty responsibilities they bore. We also discuss false alarms, intense simulations and emergency procedures, enabling you to gain a profound understanding of the pressure and seriousness of the role. Jim also reflects on the gravity of turning the keys to launch missiles and the sobering reality of what that would mean for humanity. Don’t miss the link to the videos and photos in the episode information here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode391 The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episoder(442)

How To Catch A Cold War Spy (323)

How To Catch A Cold War Spy (323)

Since 1985, Ana Montes has been an asset of the Cuban intelligence service. In that time, she’s risen through the ranks to become one of the Pentagon’s most respected voices on Cuban affairs with easy...

16 Des 20231h 12min

Cold War, Warm Hearts - Hitchhiking behind the 1960s Iron Curtain (322)

Cold War, Warm Hearts - Hitchhiking behind the 1960s Iron Curtain (322)

In 1966 most of Bridget’s friends, in their early twenties, were settling down with jobs and/or husbands… She, on the other hand, set off alone to travel across Poland relying on the kindness of stran...

9 Des 202359min

Cold War Tank Tales from the Land Down Under (321)

Cold War Tank Tales from the Land Down Under (321)

Many of Tim’s family had served in WW1 and WW2 and from a young age, he was determined to follow their path. Overcoming huge competition for places he became a driver of the Leopard AS1 MBT at 1st Ar...

2 Des 20231h

Jack's dramatic Cold War escape across the fortified Inner German border (320)

Jack's dramatic Cold War escape across the fortified Inner German border (320)

Jack Wesolek was born in East Germany in 1966. His grandfather was a member of the Red Orchestra, a Communist Anti-Nazi resistance organisation in Germany during World War 2. He later became Chief of ...

25 Nov 20231h 27min

How President Kennedy's assassination almost started World War 3 (319)

How President Kennedy's assassination almost started World War 3 (319)

On 23rd Nov 1963 at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea a detachment of US Air Force B-57 Canberra bombers were parked on an alert pad each with a live nuclear weapon in their bomb bay and ready to fly at a ...

22 Nov 202351min

The lazy schoolboy who became a Cold War Vulcan nuclear bomber pilot (318)

The lazy schoolboy who became a Cold War Vulcan nuclear bomber pilot (318)

Kevin was born in Wigan in North West England and joined the RAF as an apprentice in 1956 with only 3 O Levels. He came top of his course but was posted into supplies at RAF St Mawgan. However, he qui...

18 Nov 202349min

Across the Iron Curtain in a yellow MG Midget sports car (317)

Across the Iron Curtain in a yellow MG Midget sports car (317)

Andrew McNeile decided to travel through Eastern Europe in a yellow MG Midget Sports car, a ​car ​that's ​going ​to ​stand ​out ​no ​matter ​where you are! He recalls his adventures travelling through...

11 Nov 202343min

1983 - the year the Cold War almost turned hot (316)

1983 - the year the Cold War almost turned hot (316)

This week is the 40th anniversary of the Able Archer NATO Exercise where it is reckoned that the Soviet Union and NATO almost started a nuclear war. 1990 an investigation by the US President’s Foreign...

4 Nov 20231h 1min

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