The head of U.S. Strategic Command moved to bat down suggestions that the Minuteman III -- the Air Force's aging intercontinental ballistic missile -- can be upgraded to remain in service longer than currently planned in order to free up funds the Pentagon wants to allocate to a replacement: the estimated $85 billion Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program. "Let me be very clear: you cannot life extend Minuteman III," Adm. Chas Richard, STRATCOM commander, told reporters in a call today...
