Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this study compares the development of fleet ballistic missile systems in the United States and Soviet Union and their contribution to the achievement of national security objectives of each nation. To this end, submarine and missile technologies, elements of operational practices and support, and general strategic doctrine, are traced. A comparative assessment of weapon system effectiveness and potential in achieving stated objectives is derived from capabilities, peacetime employment, and wartime plans as stated in open doctrinal documents.

CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION * CHAPTER II - SSBN AND SLBM DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNITED STATES * CHAPTER III - SSB, SSBN AND SLBM DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOVIET UNION * CHAPTER IV - OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS * CHAPTER V - THE SSBN IN UNITED STATES STRATEGIC DOCTRINE * CHAPTER VI - THE SSB AND SSBN IN SOVIET STRATEGIC DOCTRINE * CHAPTER VII - FUTURE POTENTIALS OF SLBMS * CHAPTER VIII - CONCLUSIONS

The doctrine which governs the employment of strategic systems should reflect national security priorities, external military threats and the capabilities of one's own forces. In the case of ballistic missile submarines, both the United States and the Soviet Union have developed and altered strategic plans to incorporate the advantages afforded by undersea destructive potential. Those plans include statements of peace-time employment for deterrence of the enemy and targeting assignments for fighting a war.

A comparison of U.S. and Soviet submarine ballistic missile systems development, and accompanying public doctrine of purpose and planned utilization in peace and war-time, provide the basis for an assessment of the effectiveness of current and proposed weapons systems in their contribution to national security.

Sections II and III outline the development of the submarines and submarine ballistic missiles of the United States and Soviet Union respectively. Section IV presents operational considerations which affect weapons system employment such as personnel basing and support, patrols and communications. Sections V and VI trace the history of U.S. and Soviet strategic doctrine, particularly those elements which govern employment of ballistic missile submarines. Section VII looks at the future of SSBNs as determined by technology and international politics and VIII summarizes the research on a comparative United States vs. Soviet Union basis.