I bet WOPR is feeling pretty silly right now.

[Panache]

For 20 Years the Nuclear Launch Code at US Minuteman Silos Was 00000000

Today I found out that during the height of the Cold War, the US military put such an emphasis on a rapid response to an attack on American soil, that to minimize any foreseeable delay in launching a nuclear missile, for nearly two decades they intentionally set the launch codes at every silo in the US to 8 zeroes.

[Stonewall]

"Mr. McKittrick, after very careful consideration, sir, I've come to the conclusion that your new defense system sucks."

[NIN]

"Mr. McKittrick, after very careful consideration, sir, I've come to the conclusion that your new defense system sucks."

Came here to find  this comment. Was not disappointed.

[JeffDG]

That's the kind of thing an idiot would have on his luggage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6iW-8xPw3k

[Eclipse]

This is essentially the same thing as today's "post it" note culture.

"Those in the U.S. that had been fitted with the devices, such as ones in the Minuteman Silos, were installed under the close scrutiny of Robert McNamara, JFK's Secretary of Defence. However, The Strategic Air Command greatly resented McNamara's presence and almost as soon as he left, the code to launch the missile's, all 50 of them, was set to 00000000."

Oh, and in case you actually did forget the code, it was handily written down on a checklist handed out to the soldiers..."

Proving again that no matter how well you plan, there will always be people who "know better".

[Phil Hirons, Jr.]

That's the kind of thing an idiot would have on his luggage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6iW-8xPw3k

Unlike the Spanish Inquisition, I was expecting this to show up.

[Private Investigator]

Today I found out that during the height of the Cold War, the US military put such an emphasis on a rapid response to an attack on American soil, that to minimize any foreseeable delay in launching a nuclear missile, for nearly two decades they intentionally set the launch codes at every silo in the US to 8 zeroes.

Wow that was my combo on my junior high school P.E. locker so I can get dressed faster   

[Eclipse]

Technically that code is no more, or less secure then any other 8-digit code other then it's easier to
remember.  The bigger issue is the code being number-only, at a length of a phone number, and
the same everywhere.