Bunker Talk: Let’s Talk About All The Things We Did And Didn’t Cover This Week
Summary
This article serves as a weekly open discussion forum, branded as "Bunker Talk," designed to give readers and commenters a space to discuss defense, military technology, strategy, and foreign policy topics from the past week. The format is intentionally informal and open-ended, allowing conversation about both stories that were officially covered by the publication and those that fell through the cracks. The article is accompanied by an image of the Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado Springs, which serves as the headquarters for NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command. NORAD, constructed in 1958 during the Cold War, is responsible for monitoring air, missile, and space defense across North America, tracking approximately 7,000 aircraft daily within the United States. The facility is a highly fortified, self-sufficient installation built inside a granite mountain at 7,000 feet elevation, secured by two 25-ton blast doors and equipped with independent water and air supplies.
Key Takeaways
- 1. "Bunker Talk" functions as a weekly open-thread discussion space for readers to engage on defense and military topics
- 2. NORAD, headquartered at Cheyenne Mountain, was established in 1958 and expanded its mission significantly following the September 11, 2001 attacks
- 3. The facility monitors approximately 7,000 aircraft per day and coordinates directly with civilian, federal, state, and local authorities
- 4. Canadian military officials comprise 10-15% of NORAD's 326-person staff, reflecting its binational operational structure
- 5. The Cheyenne Mountain Complex is built to withstand attacks, featuring independent survival systems including self-contained water and air supplies