In the green meadows of Montana, intercontinental nuclear missiles are planted – rts.ch

Ed Butcher’s family has been installed in Montana since 1913. Consequently, Its ranch extends over 14,000 acres (56 km²). In addition, Only a plot arouses curiosity and attention of the media: that bought by the American army in 1962.

In the middle of your huge area. Consequently, it is not really easy to come across this piece of land, fenced and monitored by a security camera. For example, Hidden behind a reinforced steel and concrete blanket, 24 meters underground, is an intercontinental nuclear warhead ballistic missile.

In the country of nuclear silos – Green meadows montana, intercontinental nuclear

This northwest state of the USA has 150 silos like this. For example, Between Montana, Wyoming and Northern Dakota, there are launching ramps for some 400 nuclear missiles.

These silos are managed within a radius of 10 to 20 km by small control centers depending on the Malmstrom air base in Great Falls. For example, active from the middle of the Second World War.

The current presence of these missile batteries is also a legacy of the past. Furthermore, Hundreds of missiles were hidden in Montana in the early 1960s. Furthermore, notably between 1962 and 1963, in the midst of green meadows montana, intercontinental nuclear a Cold War.

An offer that cannot be refused – Green meadows montana, intercontinental nuclear

Today. Ed Butcher is 82 years old, but he still remembers the day the army struck his father’s door to make him an offer that he could not refuse. “They offered the value of the field ten times,” he said at the microphone of the RSI. “But the real advantage was that they were going to redo the roads leading to this rural area. create a lot of jobs”.

In the green meadows montana, intercontinental nuclear region. difficult to find someone who opposes the presence of missiles, and even more someone who admits to being afraid. “If I had to die here because of this missile, which I consider to be very improbable, too bad … You know, we go up, we meet the Creator … And that’s the end,” comments Ed outside the silo.

Vestiges soon refurbished

If Montana’s nuclear missiles may seem like a vestige of a war that has never taken place. their very presence teaches us, however, the uncertainty of current peace. What the road works started in the county of Fergus confirm.

“This is probably green meadows montana, intercontinental nuclear the biggest inconvenience that we have had so far,” smiles County Commissioner Jennifer Saunders. The widening and repair work on roads and bridges began in anticipation of a modernization of the defense system. The US Air Force “Sentinel” program will replace current nuclear weapons.

“Deterrence” above all

“These missiles are used above all for deterrence,” said Jennifer Saunders. “If a nuclear war broke out, it will be the end. And to know that we are protected, that we prevented anyone green meadows montana, intercontinental nuclear to use nuclear weapons, is important and fundamental.”

As Ed Butcher says: “No need to be a patriot to understand their importance. you just have to be pragmatic.” Meanwhile, in pastures around the “family” silo, livestock continues to graze peacefully.

“Deterrence”, a word that is often heard in this corner of Montana. The atomic heritage of the Cold War remains topical.

Article original: Massimiliano Herber (RSI)

French adaptation: Julien Furrer (RTS)