Question

Which needs to be more accurate and why: counterforce or countercity weapons?

a) Counterforce weapons need to be more accurate to target military installations.
b) Countercity weapons need higher accuracy to minimize civilian casualties.
c) Both counterforce and countercity weapons require the same level of accuracy.
d) Accuracy is not essential for either counterforce or countercity weapons.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option a) Counterforce weapons need to be more accurate to target military installations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question compares the need for accuracy between two types of strategic weapons: counterforce and countercity weapons. A counterforce weapon is designed to target the enemy's military capabilities, such as missile silos, command centers, and other strategic military targets.

Since these targets are often specific and may be located away from civilian areas, greater precision is required to ensure they are effectively neutralized without causing unintended damage to nearby non-military areas. Thus, the correct answer is a) Counterforce weapons need to be more accurate to target military installations.

Conversely, countercity weapons are intended for broader targets, generally aiming to disrupt or destroy infrastructure and population centers. While minimizing civilian casualties is always a consideration in warfare, the nature of countercity weapons implies a less precise targeting approach compared to counterforce weapons, given their strategic objectives.