In response, the US took two key steps. One goal was to find a mechanism to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists. The other was to outstretch the Russians in terms of strength. The United States' first move was to propose a plan in which both the United States and the Soviet Union would hand over all of their weapons to the United Nations, preventing either country from using them. However, the US began research on larger bombs — hydrogen bombs — at the same time (particularly since that plan failed). The United States likewise followed NSC-68's proposals, which called for bigger conventional troops as a backup to nuclear warfare.
Hope this helps,
Mr.Barrows