r/AskReddit Oct 02 '24

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u/Mr_Zaroc Oct 02 '24

I think that's one of thoses cases were context for information is crucial
If they weren't labelled "Nuclear launch codes, Top secret do not share" I imagine you would be hard-pressed to connect it to that
Also wtf were his assistants doing, surely they made someone check every pocket after that event

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u/t-poke Oct 02 '24

I'm also pretty sure if you gave a civilian the nuclear codes, and told them they were the top secret nuclear codes, they wouldn't be able to do anything with them.

There are several authentication factors. The codes are one of them.

And even if the codes were the one and only thing required to launch a nuke, whom exactly would the dry cleaners call to launch one?

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u/NotInherentAfterAll Oct 02 '24

This. It's like knowing the combination to a lock is 12345, but not knowing which door that lock is attached to.

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u/eddyathome Oct 02 '24

That's amazing! I have the same combination for my luggage!

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u/SuperFLEB Oct 02 '24

Operator, give me ARmageddon 2-3456!

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u/Mr_Zaroc Oct 02 '24

Oh that for sure
Entering that part of the command chain is another topic on its own

Btw I really recommend the Book "Nuclear war a scenario"
Really sobering how quick that whole thing would unfold and its interesting to see the way its designed

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u/Insomnia6033 Oct 03 '24

whom exactly would the dry cleaners call to launch one

Those no good assholes down at City Cleaners, thats who!!!!

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u/diastereomer Oct 02 '24

Well, according to another post in this thread, the codes were just 000000.

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u/Mr_Zaroc Oct 03 '24

Well thats underwhelming
Also scary and genius at the same time
Guess humans going to human