Cheyenne Mountain Complex: The Ultimate Last Line of Defense
The US military has a secret base, the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, built inside a mountain, designed to withstand nuclear blasts, biological attacks, and other disasters, serving as the ultimate last line of defense and a secure facility for survival in case of an apocalypse.
Secure Entrance and Tunnel System
To reach the front door, one must drive down a 4700 ft long tunnel into the mountain, where the outside light fades and is replaced by fluorescent lights, and massive rock bolts prevent the granite above from collapsing in. The tunnel is secured with over 115,000 bolts to prevent the mountain from caving in. After this daunting journey, the entrance to the complex is still not easily accessible.
A tunnel shaft leads to two 25-ton blast doors that can seal off the entrance in 45 seconds, protecting against attackers, biological and chemical agents, and nuclear radiation. The doors are designed at a 90° angle and have a blast valve system that over-pressurizes the base, forcing harmful agents out.
Interior and Facilities
Once through the doors, the interior of the complex is revealed. A secret compound features 15 buildings made of Battleship steel, suspended in the air by 1,000 lb metal springs, making it immune to earthquakes and nuclear attacks. The complex is self-sustaining, with a military base, living quarters, and a 1.5 million gallon freshwater reservoir, capable of supporting 600 residents.
The base has impressive defenses, but also aims to maintain a sense of normalcy for those trapped inside during a catastrophe. In the event of an emergency, those outside have 45 seconds to enter the facility, and once inside, they have their “button-up bags” containing basic necessities like food, clothes, and creature comforts to sustain them.
Amenities and Supplies
The complex is self-sufficient, with amenities like a gym, chapel, cafeteria, and convenience store, and stockpiles 270 days worth of supplies to maintain morale and survival. Despite the comforts, the reality of potential casualties in an actual attack is acknowledged, and a fully functioning medical facility is available to treat the wounded.
- A fully functioning hospital and dental office are available in the bunker, which can be converted into a mass casualty center if needed.
- A reliable water supply and a power generation plant with six massive generators, allowing it to meet the needs of its inhabitants even during a nuclear strike.
Communication Networks and Command Post
The main purpose of the bunker is to ensure the US military can still operate and give orders during a crisis, thanks to its robust communication networks and ability to send and receive data from satellites. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is responsible for monitoring the skies over the US for incoming threats, including nuclear weapons, and is manned 24/7.
NORAD and the Cheyenne complex serve as a command post for the US Northern Command and US Strategic Command, monitoring suspicious activities and ready to respond in case of emergencies, with a skeleton crew operating the bunker on a daily basis, but able to scale up in the event of a crisis.
Relevance in Today’s World
The Cheyenne Mountain Complex remains relevant in today’s divided geopolitical landscape, with rising global tensions and unpredictable nations. The US military prioritizes continuity of command, and the complex is utilized by various government agencies, including the Defense Intelligence Agency and FEMA, to support national security functions and direct disaster operations, making it more than just a Cold War relic.
It continues to serve as a bulwark in an unforgiving and unknown world, a relic of the Cold War, ensuring the US military’s ability to respond to and manage crises, and providing a secure facility for survival in the face of catastrophic events.
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne Mountain Complex | A secret US military base built inside a mountain to serve as a secure facility for survival and command center in case of catastrophic events. | The Cheyenne Mountain Complex is designed to withstand nuclear blasts and biological attacks, making it the ultimate last line of defense. |
| Blast Doors | Large, heavy doors designed to seal off an entrance and protect against external threats such as nuclear radiation and biological agents. | The Cheyenne Mountain Complex features two 25-ton blast doors that can seal off the entrance in 45 seconds. |
| Battleship Steel | A type of steel alloy used for its high strength and durability, often used in construction of secure facilities and military equipment. | The buildings within the Cheyenne Mountain Complex are made of Battleship steel, making them highly resistant to damage. |
| Self-Sustaining | Able to maintain itself without external support, often referring to facilities that can produce their own food, water, and energy. | The Cheyenne Mountain Complex is self-sustaining, with its own freshwater reservoir, power generation plant, and stockpiles of supplies. |
| NORAD | The North American Aerospace Defense Command, a joint organization of the US and Canada responsible for monitoring and defending against aerial threats. | NORAD is responsible for monitoring the skies over the US and is headquartered within the Cheyenne Mountain Complex. |
| Continuity of Command | The ability of a military or government organization to maintain its command structure and decision-making capabilities during a crisis or disaster. | The Cheyenne Mountain Complex is designed to ensure the continuity of command for the US military in the event of a catastrophic event. |
| Mass Casualty Center | A medical facility designed to treat a large number of casualties in the event of a disaster or emergency. | The hospital within the Cheyenne Mountain Complex can be converted into a mass casualty center if needed. |
| Button-Up Bags | Pre-packed bags containing essential items such as food, clothes, and medical supplies, designed to sustain individuals in the event of an emergency. | Personnel entering the Cheyenne Mountain Complex have 45 seconds to grab their button-up bags and enter the facility in the event of an emergency. |
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Vocabulary Quiz
1. Which word means ‘a place or structure that provides a safe or secure environment, especially in times of danger or uncertainty’?
A) Bulwark
B) Compound
C) Sanctuary
D) Bunker
2. What is the term for ‘a system of securing a tunnel or rock face using large bolts to prevent collapse’?
A) Blast Valve System
B) Rock Bolting
C) Over-pressurization
D) Seismic Isolation
3. Which phrase refers to ‘the ability of a system or structure to maintain its function and operation despite disruptions or disasters’?
A) Continuity of Command
B) Self-sufficiency
C) Robustness
D) Redundancy
4. What is the term for ‘a bag or container that holds essential items for survival, especially in emergency situations’?
A) Emergency Kit
B) Button-up Bag
C) Survival Pack
D) Disaster Relief Package
5. Which word means ‘a person or group that is on duty or ready to respond at all times, especially in emergency situations’?
A) Skeleton Crew
B) Rapid Response Team
C) Emergency Task Force
D) Standby Unit
Answer Key:
1. D
2. B
3. A
4. B
5. A
Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus: The Use of Passive Voice in Descriptive Texts
Grammar Quiz:
1. The Cheyenne Mountain Complex ____________________ to withstand nuclear blasts and biological attacks.
A) has been designed
B) is designing
C) was designed
D) designs
2. The tunnel ____________________ with over 115,000 bolts to prevent the mountain from caving in.
A) secures
B) is secured
C) has secured
D) securing
3. The doors ____________________ at a 90° angle to protect against attackers and nuclear radiation.
A) are designing
B) have been designed
C) were designed
D) design
4. The complex ____________________ by various government agencies to support national security functions.
A) utilizes
B) is utilized
C) has utilized
D) utilizing
5. The base ____________________ to meet the needs of its inhabitants even during a nuclear strike.
A) is generating power
B) generates power
C) has been equipped
D) is equipped
Answer Key:
1. A) has been designed
2. B) is secured
3. B) have been designed
4. B) is utilized
5. D) is equipped