WI war between the USA and USSR in 1962?

If it escalates as a result of Soviet forces in Cuba or subs in the area using nukes, here's how I see it going down.
1) The idea that local commanders had the full expectation and authority to use nukes without direct authorization from Moscow in a use or lose situation was utterly unthinkable to American planners.
Therefore, if they have nukes launched, they're almost certain to do a full strategic retaliation, presuming that the rest of the Soviet strike will be along shortly. If the Soviet strategic nuclear command is unaware of said strike by their remote forces in the Cuba region, this makes the affair look a like like a US/NATO overwhelming first strike.
2) Not many Soviet ICBMs in this period, and lots of them required a lot of prep time/fueling before being brought to bear. Also really unfavorable air superiority/supremacy conditions for the Soviets. Much of the Soviet second strike is likely to be preempted.
3) Depending on the degree of surprise, a lot of the Soviet short/intermediate range strike against Europe may be preempted as well, but Germany is probably still hammered. The question is how much of France/UK gets hit.
Getting off 5-10 successful nukes from Cuba by the Soviet forces there without Moscow knowing about it might be the worst military move seen in ages.
 
1962 was the last year the USA could 'win' a nuclear war due to the USSR's lagging behind technological. The United States had 203 ICBM's, a thousand bombers, 30 Jupiter missiles in Italy, 15 in Turkey, and 60 Thor missiles in the UK.

The Soviet Union only had 36 ICBM's missiles, and just over 100 bombers.

America will survived, lose a handful of cities and Air Force Bases, but survived and rebuild.

Russia, and China? Gone. All of it. It would be a genocide for them. Same for most of Europe.
 
Historyman?
Bzzzzzzzt.

Soviet Reliability: LOW.
Soviet nuclear practice: Hilariously very much "Eeeeh..." Soviet C3 at this point is not good enough to respond short of a hour, given that Soviet practice was to actually not keep weapons mated.
Given reliability, reaction, et al, and that they had kept the WP at low positioning? It's quite possible NATO gets their deployed warheads first, and hammeres them other ways, as well. As for their ICBM: Let's be kind: 18 are ready to launch, all single warhead: Vs a clutch of nuclear tipped NIKE-HERCLUES. Nuff said.

In the thought the Sovs (the K-19 firing a nuclear torpedo, all things considered is the most likely) trigger an strike, via the method suggested, I'd say this: Germany, Turkey, Alaska, Guam, maybe Hawaii and Korea get hit, and to some degree of 'hard' with nukes, or heavy conventional forces. Japan, France, Greece less, Norway iffy, Britain Iffy. ZI? Using some off the back, figure the Russians luck out and get 12 missiles off (assuming reliability rate of 66%, 50% alert). Vs. the Nike-Herc systems? I'd not put money on those getting through. Just because "If it works, we're heros."
Bombers? Excuse me while I laugh.

Unless the forces on the island are cocked, locked, and fueled, not a chance.
 
More Hyperpower, who won't look kindly to any remaining Marxist inspired Rebels in any country, or even 'Commie Symps'
expect Suharto to get direct US aid, same for Betancourt in Venezuela, in removing anyone who says ayuthing against the USA, and so on.

After US civilian casualties from a few Soviets hits, it will be all Iron Hand Diplomacy for some time during the Recovery.

I don't really think Iron Hand diplomacy is either desirable nor necessary. It is really hard to overstate how dominant the US would be in this world. Actual coercion is really not necessary when you have overwhelming power and influence. The public face of the US is going to be The Good Neighbor. What muscle is needed will be exercised discreetly and behind the scenes, far from the public eye. I think either JFK or LBJ would recognize the unparalleled opportunity the postwar world is for the US. It is a rare chance to reshape the world in its New Deal/New Frontier/Great Society image: open democracies, market economies and generous safety nets. Countries which wish to do business and maintain good relations with the US will adapt to this of their own volition if they want to be in good stead with the hyperpower. In the back of their minds in all this will be the smoking and radioactive ruins of the USSR, the Warsaw Pact, China and Cuba. Like I said, threats are really unnecessary here. The US will have shown it has the will to do the unthinkable. if anything, it's the corrupt authoritarians like Franco and Marcos that need to worry. The US no longer has a need for them. Reforms will be coming to those nations as well...
 
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