US nuclear missile launch codes were ‘00000000’ for 15 years

During the Cold War, the United States utilized an unexpectedly simple security code for its Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Between 1962 and 1977, the launch code for these nuclear weapons was set to ‘00000000’.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order requiring all American nuclear missiles to be equipped with a Permissive Action Link (PAL). This electronic lock was designed to prevent unauthorized launches by ensuring only the President could authorize an attack.

However, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) implemented the ‘00000000’ code to mitigate the risk of communication failures. Military leaders feared that if a Soviet surprise attack destroyed communication lines, missile silo crews might be unable to receive a complex code from Washington in time to respond. Former launch officer Dr. Bruce G. Blair revealed that the code was so simple it was even included on instruction checklists attached to the consoles.