Malmstrom SELM test successful

  • Published
  • By Airman Cortney Paxton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Airmen from the 341st Missile Wing conducted a Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman, also known as a SELM, Oct. 18-20.

Air Force Global Strike Command conducts SELM tests twice yearly. The tests are part of the command's on-going program to evaluate the operational readiness and reliability of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles.

This SELM, named Giant Pace 11-2M, confirmed test-configured missile launch facilities will respond to launch and other critical commands from a launch control center (LCC), as well as the airborne launch control center. This test reinforces AFGSC's commitment to a safe, secure and effective strategic deterrence.

"This particular test is meant to exercise the weapon and its command signals in its operationally deployed location," said Lt. Col. Suzanne Sauls, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron commander and SELM test support manager.

Success of a SELM depends on the involvement of many on- and off-base agencies.

"The teamwork displayed by the 341st Missile Wing, 576 Flight Test Squadron (Vandenberg AFB, Calif.), 625th Strategic Operations Squadron (Offutt AFB, Neb.) and Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center SELECT engineers (Hill AFB, Utah) was crucial to the success of this test," said Capt. Amy Grant, 576th FLTS, SELM test manager. "Key players from each organization worked long and hard to ensure the test was completed on-time and in a safe and effective manner."

This differs from test launches at Vandenberg in that a SELM tests ICBMs in their deployed environment at operational bases without actually launching a missile. An Operational Test Launch is an actual test launch of a missile, but uses test launch facilities and LCCs at Vandenberg.

Both OTLs and SELMs are overseen by the 576th FLTS and are components of the ICBM Force Development Evaluation program. The FDE program is used to verify the operational effectiveness and reliability of the weapon system.
Sauls said the test was successful and attributes its success to the concerted efforts of the maintainers, security forces and combat crew members.

"It's nice to see it all culminate to that one moment where you can verify that the wing's mission will succeed," she said.