BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La -- The 625th Strategic Operations Squadron (STOS), based at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, recently demonstrated the steadfast readiness of the nation's nuclear deterrent forces by completing a Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman (SELM) test on June 3, 2026.
This routine exercise validates the secondary launch capability of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system, ensuring the United States maintains a credible and survivable nuclear triad.
A SELM is a test of the Minuteman III and the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) that can be conducted without physically launching a missile.
“The SELM is the most rigorous, end-to-end evaluation of our operational ICBM systems in the field,” said Capt. Maximilian DeMayo, 625th STOS director of operations. “It allows us to identify and address potential sustainment or technical issues long before they can impact daily operations.”
Conducted twice a year, these tests are meticulously planned up to five years in advance, involving a wide array of mission partners. The most recent test saw the 625th STOS collaborate with the 741st Missile Squadron at Minot AFB, North Dakota; the 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California; and the Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma.
The ALCS provides a crucial redundant launch capability, ensuring that ICBMs can be launched from the air if ground-based command centers are compromised. DeMayo explained that the ICBM leg of the nuclear triad has three wing locations -- F.E. Warren AFB in Wyoming, Malmstrom AFB in Montana, and Minot AFB in North Dakota. Each wing has three squadrons, and the SELM tests focus on one of these squadrons during each iteration.
“Testing at varied locations allows Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and U.S. Strategic Command to get a comprehensive, big-picture view of the overall status of our ICBM fleet,” said DeMayo.
The exercise tests every sequence up to the point of first stage ignition.
“This proactive approach allows our fleet to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a high state of readiness,” said DeMayo.
SELM tests are vital for maintaining the health of the ICBM fleet, providing essential sustainment data, and verifying that hardware and software updates perform as designed.
“The primary challenge of any SELM is the complexity of synchronizing geographically separated units - spanning multiple states and commands - to execute a highly technical test within a very tight operational window,” said DeMayo. “However, the personnel from the 576 FLTS did an outstanding job setting all units up for a successful execution.”
The completion of a SELM test is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of the Airmen and Sailors involved.
“Thank you to the Navy aircrew from VQ-3 and the local personnel at Minot AFB,” said DeMayo. “Your outstanding support and seamless integration was vital to the SELM.”