Greentail Nuclear Surety Practice Test 2026 - Free Nuclear Surety Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term that best describes a situation where a nuclear weapon or warhead has been armed without proper authorization is known as a "Cocked Pistol." This term specifically refers to a state where a nuclear weapon is in a readiness condition—meaning it can be launched or detonated—but has not been authorized for use. The phrase conveys a high level of risk and potential for accidental detonation if proper safety protocols are not followed.

"Cocked Pistol" reflects the urgency and seriousness of the potential for an unauthorized launch, highlighting the importance of stringent controls and security measures around nuclear armaments. In contrast, "Broken Arrow" refers to accidents involving nuclear weapons that do not involve the possibility of nuclear war or are not armed. "Bent Spear" generally describes a nuclear incident with no actual release of a nuclear weapon. "Loose Nuke" refers to a nuclear weapon that is unaccounted for or at risk of being stolen, rather than one that is armed. Understanding these terms is critical for recognizing the various safety and security classifications related to nuclear weapons and incidents.