Larry hails from New York City and West Nyack, New York. After graduating from High School, he attended Colgate University receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Although he began as a personnel officer, his career took a different path as a missile officer and served 13 years in the Strategic Air Command (SAC). He was a senior instructor in the ground system and chief of the Airborne Launch Control System at Headquarters SAC. Larry was a squadron commander and later Deputy Commander for Operations at the 351st Strategic Missile Wing, Whiteman AFB. The last 8 years of his career, he served as the Air Force ROTC Department Head at Lehigh University, and finally as the Air Force Northeast Area Commandant, retiring in 1983. He and his wife, Betty, reside in Lubbock Texas. They have seven children and eight grandchildren.
The Changing Culture of the Missileer
Is Perfection the Standard for Missile Launch Officers Today?
by Larry Hasbrouck
The Changing Culture of the Missileer
Is Perfection the Standard for Missile Launch Officers Today?
by Larry Hasbrouck
Published Sep 29, 2015
163 Pages
Genre: HISTORY / Military / Weapons
Book Details
DID MISSILE LAUNCH OFFICERS FAIL, OR JUST CHEAT TO SURVIVE?
In early 2014, a number of U.S. Air Force officers in charge of launching the Minuteman intercontinental ballistic (ICBM) nuclear missiles failed a routine monthly proficiency test (a rare occurrence in my day). During an unrelated investigation conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, it was discovered that one crewmember from Malmstrom AFB, MT had emailed test questions to other crewmembers at his base. When news of the investigation caught the attention of the national media, some reported it as the worst cheating scandal in the U.S. Missile Nuclear Weapons Command. As a 13 year veteran of the Minuteman crew force, I strongly believe in the system’s strength to prevail, in spite of the recent cheating incident which led to the suspension of all officers involved. However, questions remain as to “why” it happened. This book chronicles the history of the Minuteman Missile program by looking at the career of its author, retired Colonel Lawrence (“Larry”) Hasbrouck. He endeavors to explain what could be some of the reasons that led to the cheating incident and why it may be part of the survival culture today. Having worn “three” hats as a crew member, a Squadron Commander and Deputy Commander for Operations at Whiteman AFB MO, he was able to see first hand the extraordinary mission of the Minuteman crew force. Larry, better than most, is able to bring to light the accomplishments and incredible personal sacrifices brought about by a dedicated group of men and women who played a major role in defeating the Soviet Union during the Cold War.