Fri Sep 20 14:11:10 UTC 2024: ## US Military Successfully Completes Simulated Minuteman III ICBM Launch Test
**Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska** – On September 17, 2024, a joint military effort involving the Air Force and Navy successfully conducted a Simulated Electronic Launch Minuteman (SELM) test at Offutt Air Force Base. This biannual exercise, crucial for maintaining the reliability of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system, ensures its readiness without an actual launch.
The test involved multiple units, including the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron (STOS), the 576th Flight Test Squadron (FTS), the 91st Missile Wing (MW), and the Navy’s Strategic Communications Wing 1 (SCW-1).
“SELM tests the selected ICBMs from day-to-day operation to the issuance of the first stage ignition signal,” explained Maj. Raun Carnley, assistant director of operations for the 625th STOS. This involves sending launch commands to a test-configured launch facility from both ground-based launch control centers and the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) on a U.S. Navy E-6 Mercury aircraft.
Maj. Carnley highlighted the importance of these tests in validating the ICBM’s capability, ensuring its response as expected in a real-world scenario, and verifying the reliability of the system following software and hardware updates.
“A SELM test validates the combat capability of our fielded ICBM weapon system… while saving taxpayer money and avoiding the risks of escalatory messaging that would come with actual operational test launches,” he emphasized.
The successful execution of the SELM test demonstrates the strong collaboration among various military units. The 576th FTS leads the testing process, the 91st MW provides ground operations and maintenance support, SCW-1 contributes the aircraft and aircrew, and the 625th STOS oversees everything from targeting to launch tracking and simulates the missile’s flight.
While the SELM test might not receive as much public attention as actual launch tests, its significance in ensuring the integrity of the ICBM system and its role as a credible deterrent cannot be overstated.
“Ensuring the sustainment and capabilities of our nuclear forces not only allows U.S. citizens to sleep soundly at night but provides global stability which also helps foster economic prosperity,” stated Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Tobey, senior enlisted leader of the Joint-Nuclear Operations Center (JNOC).
The successful SELM test sends a clear message to both allies and adversaries: the ICBM system remains viable and ready to defend the nation at a moment’s notice. This, in turn, contributes to maintaining global security and stability.
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