Nightline did a piece recently on 100th Missile Defense Brigade at Ft Greely, AK. Since the Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) has posted the video for download on their website, I figured it would be ok to upload it to YouTube for your viewing convenience.
Reporter Terry Moran says, and soldiers interviewed on the video say, that they can shoot down an incoming missile.
ABC calls on Theresa Hitchens, Director of the Center for Defense Information, to provide counterpoint to SMCD's claims. She says 'The missile defense interceptors that are in the ground at Ft Greeley and Vandenberg have absolutely no proven capability against an enemy missile under operationally realistic circumstances.' She notes possibilities for beating missile defense, like overwhelming with sheer numbers or using false targets, like balloons. And she says all of the tests so far have been scripted.
MDA Director, Lt Gen Henry Obering, presents the DoD's side of the debate. He notes the importance of creating defenses against undeterrable countries or organizations (Al Qaeda foremost among them).
What do you think? Is missile defense worth the more than $100 billion that we have put into it?
Update: Japan, U.S. to boost defense ties - including missile defense
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