Here is a transcript of Gen. Lord's speech, as provided by the Air Force Space Command's public affairs office:

"Strategic Deterrence: Evolving Our Mindset and Capabilities"

A speech prepared for General Lance W. Lord, Commander, Air Force Space Command for the National Defense University's Congressional Seminar Series on Capitol Hill at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington D.C.

April 20, 2005

Thanks Peter [Mr. Peter Huessy, Program Director, National Defense University Foundation, for the introduction].

I was listening closely to the introduction … the last time I spoke inside the beltway…they made me an Honorary Member of the Society of Anesthesiology.

I'm honored to take part in such a distinguished seminar to share my perspective on such an important topic.

What a great day to be here in Washington. And this is an interesting day in history. In 1939, an unknown baseball player by the name of Ted Williams walked to the plate for the first time in his Major League career. Do you know what he did? He struck out. Later that day he got his first of 2654 hits during his amazing 19 year career.

No one remembers Ted Williams first at bat, but we all know of the legend. And that's very appropriate when talking about the legend of our Strategic Deterrent forces.

Last June, I spoke here at this breakfast seminar and I talked about how the world of Strategic Deterrence has evolved. I talked about how we are sustaining and modernizing our Nuclear Deterrent force.

It's simply a fact … the threats against our nation have changed and we are making the necessary adjustments to enhance the credibility of our Strategic Deterrent forces.

This morning, I would like to spend a little time talking about evolving the mindset as well as the capabilities of our ICBM team to better meet future Strategic needs of our nation.

I'd like to cover three main points today: Operating and Maintaining a Safe and Secure Deterrent, ICBMs provide stability in uncertain times and transforming the mindset of our Strategic Deterrent professionals.

I would like to thank everyone for coming over this morning and allowing me to share breakfast and a few thoughts.

"A Safe and Secure Strategic Deterrent—a top AFSPC Priority"

At the beginning of this year, we published the Air Force Space Command Priorities for 2005. I believe we have some cards for everyone here today (Sir, We plan to hand out the AFSPC 2005 cards to the members of the audience … with your approval.)

The almost 40,000 space and missile professionals in Air Force Space Command certainly don't need a card to remind them of the importance of our Strategic Deterrence mission.

However, in our resource constrained world, it's absolutely critical to list our top priorities. It helps our partners outside of the command…our teammates in industry … and our friends doing government research and development understand our focus first hand.

There is nothing more important as a force provider to United States Strategic Command than ensuring our joint warfighters have the combat effects they need from our space and missile forces.

And of course we know now … after the incredible display of air and space power in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM … space capabilities have transformed modern warfare.

As President Bush stated, "Operation IRAQI FREEDOM was carried out with a combination of precision, speed and boldness the enemy did not expect, and the world has not seen before."

Commanders at every level understand you cannot go to war and win without space and missile capabilities. Therefore, the only priority higher than providing a safe and secure Strategic Deterrent Capability is Ensuring Space Superiority and Providing Desired Combat Effects for Joint Warfighting. Our top two priorities are tightly linked.

We're also going through a major evaluation of our capabilities throughout the Department of Defense this year … in the Quadrennial Defense Review.

It's no secret … this is a very "interesting" time for the services. Each service tends to gravitate to their core functions and key capabilities…the things they do best in providing joint Warfighting effects.

I certainly can't predict the results of the QDR, but I can say this: Nuclear deterrence is a core Air Force mission and ICBMs are a core competency in our Department of Defense.

Our ICBMs perform a vital role by deterring attack and dissuading Traditional and Catastrophic threats. Our strategy is clear: Assure, Dissuade, Deter and Defeat!

So we need to replenish our aging Minuteman III capabilities and we are well on the road to doing just that.

When I was here at the seminar last year, I talked about our plans to kick off the Land Based Strategic Deterrence Analysis of Alternatives. Well, it's almost complete and we are getting ready to brief the results up the chain in the Department of Defense.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to address the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. I had a very pointed message for the industry and government leaders in attendance. I told them space acquisition is not broken … it's true the process is too slow…but it's not broken.

"Broken" is when you have something that doesn't work … and you don't know why…that's not the case with our acquisition process.

We have implemented a lot of process changes, established a new set of guidelines and we have one heck of team of professionals on our program teams.

The same is true in how we plan to acquire future Strategic Deterrence systems. The Land Based Strategic Deterrence mission area will thrive on a spiral acquisition approach.

This gives us the most flexibility to merge and leverage work for, with and from other programs, and also gives us additional time to buy down risks and secure necessary funding.

Land Based Strategic Deterrence is an incredible way to command the future. There are multiple potential spin-offs from an investment in this area. Capabilities that can be used for Missile Defense Agency missions, Prompt Global Strike, Joint Warfighting Space and Operationally Responsive Space mission areas.

We need to make sure Congress is fully aware of the multiple benefits derived from the development of future Land Based Strategic Deterrence capabilities.

I'll lead the charge … but it will take a team effort to succeed. So we're definitely committed to a safe and secure deterrent!

"Stability in Uncertain Times"

We live in uncertain times. How many people here believe that … please raise your hands.

I agree. The world we knew before September 11th, 2001, and the environment we live in today is significantly different.

In the decade before the tragic events of September 11th, we witnessed the collapse of the Soviet Empire and … we have enjoyed the victory of the Cold War. We knew then the world of strategic deterrence was changing … the threats were evolving.

But one thing has not changed. During the years of the Cold War…and immediately following the attack on our homeland almost four years ago … there has been one remarkable constant.

Our strong and ready Strategic Deterrent capability provides this nation and much of the world…stability through uncertain times.

Through the dark days of the attacks upon our homeland in September 2001 … the 9,000 ICBM professionals: Missileers, security forces, maintenance teams and Missile Alert Facility personnel … provided the constant expertise and knowledge necessary to safely operate and secure our nation's "Ace in the Hole."

Ultimately, Air Force Space Command professionals throughout the great northern tier plains…provide our nation a quintessential capability: (Pause) Stability through uncertain times.

As the wing commander at F.E. Warren, routinely, I was asked, "How does winning the Cold War change your mission?" It doesn't. We accomplish the mission the same way everyday … the right way!

Our 20^th Air Force team under the leadership of Major General Frank Klotz … underwrote the national security of this nation by ensuring a safe, secure and affordable Nuclear Deterrent force.

And Frank (Major General Frank Klotz) and his 9,000 dedicated personnel know their work is far from over.

Rogue nations continue their quest to threaten and harm free nations. They know they cannot match the superior strength of our great military … so they seek weapons of mass destruction to threaten or attack us with asymmetric warfare.

Deterrence works because these nation states know using weapons of mass destruction against the United States or our interests aboard will not go unchallenged.

I'm convinced of this … even in the most uncertain of times.

Understanding how to deter this kind of enemy is a complex task. It requires a different mindset. As you know, we cannot solve today's Strategic Deterrence issues using a Cold War mindset.

The Strategic Deterrence business has changed. The threats we are called upon to deter today come from rogue nation states … but threats to the security of our Strategic Deterrent forces comes with the face of a terrorist.

Like most of us in the ICBM business, my thoughts and perceptions on Strategic Deterrence were forged from my firsthand experience … as a crew member, squadron commander and wing commander during the Cold War years.

Now we have a new paradigm in place. The triad no longer means ICBMs, bombers and submarines. The new triad consists of Offensive Strike, Defensive capabilities and highlights the revitalization of the defense infrastructure to meet new emerging threats. (Summary of the concepts identified in the Nuclear Posture Review.)

As you can see, our focus is on providing flexible capabilities to deter current and future threats.

We've all heard, "ICBMs are a Cold War icon." Let me correct this perception. ICBMs are one of our nation's icons for Strategic Deterrence. Deterring the most dangerous threats and weapons known to mankind.

Strategic Deterrence is not synonymous with the Cold War … it won the Cold War.

Our job is to get our forces ready for the Strategic Deterrence challenges of the 21st century.

Today's challenges are different … but just as dangerous. You could argue they're more likely to happen…if we don't have a credible deterrent force in place.

We are evolving to meet our new and future challenges.

There is no better example of this than the almost finished deactivation of the multi-warhead Peacekeeper ICBM.

Some critics point to the three year Peacekeeper deactivation process as though Strategic Deterrence is now somehow less important to our nation. It couldn't be further from the truth.

Our Administration and the leaders in the Department of Defense are committed to transforming the military from our Cold War "threat based force" to a more adaptable "capability and effects centric force."

The Peacekeeper missiles were designed to hold multiple known targets at risk simultaneously.

For every crew member, missile maintainer, security forces member and support personnel who worked directly with the Peacekeeper weapon system, I congratulate you … your mission will soon be accomplished. (Pause) Peacekeeper has truly lived up to its name.

But, the demise of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War have actually increased the importance of our Minuteman III ICBMs.

The Soviet Union, even as a tremendously dangerous enemy… was a relatively well known politico-military entity.

Today, in our uncertain times … we face different adversaries that may be smaller and less powerful than the old former Soviet Union … but also less predictable … and almost impossible to talk with to resolve our disagreements.

In addition to the Strategic Deterrence our ICBMs provide ... they also provide a substantial amount of operational deterrence. They provide the "Top cover for our Expeditionary Forces" operating worldwide.

Whether our adversaries are willing to talk diplomatically or not … the strength of our ICBM capabilities force our adversaries to think before they act.

Again, giving our nation stability in uncertain times.

Now what are we doing to get ready for the future?

"Transforming Our Mindset and Our Capabilities"

Now I'm not here today to tell you the transformation in our Strategic Deterrence forces is complete. It is not.

We are in the midst along with our industry partners … of transforming our capabilities. There are members in this audience that know very well all the efforts underway to modernize our Minuteman III systems.

We are replacing the electronics in our Minuteman III guidance set to bolster the ground and flight reliability for decades to come. We are extending booster life by re-pouring the solid propellant on stages one and two, and re-manufacturing stage three.We are modernizing two survivable communication paths from the President … through the SECDEF … to our ICBM forces. We plan to upgrade all of our sites by the end of this year. We are refurbishing component assemblies in the Minuteman III liquid propulsion post-boost vehicle. We're enabling the Minuteman III to carry the Peacekeeper Reentry Vehicle (RV), and retiring the older Mark 12 RV. Finally, we continue to upgrade the safety and security of our Land Based Strategic Deterrent forces. In areas like … secure command and control, enhanced launcher entry procedures, and decreased security force response times.

We've started the modernization journey … and we're taking these steps prudently!

This is extremely important work and these modifications are indispensable for the sustainment of the hardware. Now let's talk a little bit about what we are doing for the most critical part of our ICBM weapon system … the people.

We have identified a shortfall in our nuclear expertise … at what I call the "Graduate level" in our government…among both our military and civilian members.

Our ICBM operators comprise 75% of all the current Space and Missile Operation crew positions in Air Force Space Command. (AFSPC DP personnel provided the following information. There are 1136 crew positions in AFSPC (including all Space and Missile mission areas. 852 crew positions are in missiles, roughly 75% of the total allotment of crew positions.)

And honestly, there is no better skill to have as a Space Professional than a complete and comprehensive appreciation for nuclear operations.

It teaches us all the meaning of "bombs on target." It gives us our "Warrior Ethos" and it has been pivotal in transforming our command from a research and development background to an operational Major Command in our great Air Force.

Most importantly I believe, it gives us a sense of operations … results oriented leadership … a Mission First, but People Always mentality.

I am pleased our ICBM instructor team continues to produce the absolute best crew members and maintenance technicians possible.

I believe the model we use to train our ICBM professionals has become the envy of training managers Air Force wide.

Let me brag a little bit on our ICBM Maintainers … I have a number I want you to remember … 99.5. That's not my score on the Fitness Test. (Laugh) That's the ICBM Alert rate … 99.5%. Let me repeat that for you … an alert rate of 99.5%. Absolutely amazing!

At the same time, our operational units throughout 20th Air Force continue to refine and sharpen the warfighting skills of our ICBM professionals across the 46,000 square miles of the northern tier states. That's about the size of the state of Pennsylvania.

That's a lot of real estate our young security forces personnel are responsible for securing.

Securing our nation's nuclear arsenal takes a change in mindset. I'm sure you have seen the articles in the press … it has certainly been reported in the Moscow Times. (Referring to an April 11, 2005 Moscow Times article "Russians Tour Air Force Base.")

President Bush and President Putin agreed in February to expand our cooperation on nuclear security between the U.S. and Russia. A delegation of Russian officials and nuclear experts toured F.E. Warren Air Force base in Wyoming … and we plan to return the favor. The focus is simple … how can we both protect missile facilities against terrorist attacks.

We are committed to making the best security practices even better. On Friday (22 April) I'm heading up to Camp Guernsey … Army National Guard Base … in Wyoming to open the Nuclear and Space Security Tactical Training Center.

This will be an incredible resource for our security forces throughout 20th Air Force … and all of Air Force Space Command. We're taking our training to a new level … and I could not be prouder of the Air Force Space Command team that pulled this effort together.

Air Force Space Command is also looking at ways to apply our years of technical and operational experience to conventional requirements today. A set of capabilities we call …Prompt Global Strike.

With the help of current technology … we can build a conventional system that can strike anywhere in the world, with great precision. We can use conventional munitions designed for surface or deeply buried targets.

General "Hoss" Cartwright (Our Commander of United States Strategic Command) and I talked a little bit about the conventional use of Ballistic Missiles at the Air Force Association's Air Warfare Symposium in February.

General Cartwright told the 1,000 plus member audience … he saw a great need for a capability that can reach anywhere in the world under an hour … with precise effects. (Based on the STRATCOM/CC's comments at the AFA Orlando Symposium)

To help fill a growing capability gap … conventional missiles can hold hardened and deeply buried targets at risk. With all the same attributes we have become familiar with in the ICBM business ... high reliability, nearly global response and amazing … almost unbelievable precision.

Critics suggest modifying large missiles with conventional weapons will blur the line between nuclear and conventional warfare.

No doubt about it, we must ensure our actions are not misinterpreted by the world. But the paradigm shift is happening. We need to bring our capabilities to the warfighter faster … and we are evaluating options to do just that.

I need our ICBM professionals to think, talk and write about future uses of ballistic missiles.

As the former Commander of Air University, I know we provide extraordinary professional development opportunities for our officers at Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College.

And of course we cannot neglect National Defense University … the finest provider of military education outside of the state of Alabama. [Laugh]

We all need to work together to challenge our way of thinking.

I want our ICBM and space professionals enrolled in Air Command and Staff College and the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies to initiate the debate, stimulate the thinking of their peers and help change the professional mindset of the next generation of leaders.

I want our ICBM and space professionals to transform the way we think about Strategic Deterrence. Let's look into future growth areas … where we can use our ICBM and Strategic Deterrence expertise to grow our space missions.

Once again, it's time to create opportunities for intellectual growth in the ICBM and space community.

From the early stages of our nation's nuclear strategy … we have relied upon the great minds of men like Herman Kahn, Albert Wohlsetter and great works of the time like the Wizards of Armageddon.

Let's follow the example of great leaders like Major General Bob Smolen … who in 1999 launched the Nuclear Technologies Fellowship Program … to help maintain and expand the Air Force nuclear technical base.

This program is the foundation for the Air Force National Laboratories Technical Fellowship Program. Fellows are competitively selected during the Air Force's annual Professional Military Education board.

To date, nine officers have completed the 21 month program and been assigned to key positions throughout the Joint Staff, Air Staff and MAJCOMs … to include both Air Combat Command and Air Force Space Command.

Under this program, three national laboratories: Sandia National Lab and Los Alamos National Lab…both in New Mexico … and Lawrence Livermore National Lab in California create uranium rich intellectual experiences for our young military officers.

We also have the newly created National Security Space Institute in Colorado Springs and our consortium of colleges and universities led by the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs to help us generate thought provoking studies of some contemporary Strategic Deterrent and Global Strike issues. We're creating the "New Wizards."

I believe we are truly at a turning point in military history. Our threats will be increasingly asymmetric, harder to track and more agile and more technologically savvy. Above all, our enemies will continue to develop improved and more potent weapons.

The state of our Strategic Deterrent forces remains strong. With our future plans for Land Based Strategic Deterrence, Prompt Global Strike, Common Aero Vehicle, Joint Warfighting Space and Operationally Responsive Space off and running …t here is no doubt in my mind we are making the necessary changes to succeed in the post Cold War era.

One of our founding fathers, the great intellectual Thomas Jefferson said, "We confide in our strength without boasting of it; we respect that of others without fearing it."

This quote is as fitting and appropriate today as it was in 1793.

Thomas Jefferson also said, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." Remember these words the next time you pass the Jefferson Memorial … (just a few miles down the road from here). Our founding fathers can be proud of our continued vigilance and the assurance and protection our Strategic Deterrence forces provide our nation.

This morning, 29,243 of America's Air Force sons and daughters are away from home, (Pause) and most are in harm's way. Over 800 AFSPC personnel are among them.

Let's not forget…there are American military personnel operating in every time zone of the world right now. Let's remember the sacrifices of these amazing professionals, as they bring the capabilities of American Air and Space Power to the world.

Over in the northwest part of this great city … men and women scarred by the face of war ... fight for their lives and begin their road to recovery at Walter Reed Army Hospital.

They are modern day heroes … and we owe it to them and every single Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine and American citizen to make sure we protect the enormous advantages our nation enjoys in the Strategic Deterrence and military space mission areas.

I'm very proud to be here to represent our great command. Thank you very much and may God continue to bless our partnership and our national security team.

We have a few minutes … are there any questions?