WOW….. Such a Horrible Weapons….!!!!

The MK-54 SADM was a bit more nuanced than the author describes. The concept was actually well thought out and immense training went into the entire program. The SADM was not for “situations” but instead as part of the Exercise Reforger where the US Army’s 12E designated trained soldiers would place the SADM in special selected emplacement chambers built into large public structures such as bridges/dams. Then, and only if, when the Soviet Army came west through the Fulda Gap would these be deployed as buffers against the Soviet forces until the US military could return, hence the name REturn-FORces-to-GERmany. 

Furthermore the device had an electroplanewave generator which had a timer built in … allowing the technician the ability to set the device off with enough time to be in Tahiti if he wanted. (Since the military occupational specialty or MOS was combat rated, it was only for men) The device was not heavy or awkward to carry. It was 58 1/2 pounds encased in a foam rubber with the weight well distributed. The half-foam outer-shell back support was easy to re-position after making an airborne/helicopter jump.  So in short, it was designed well, built with specific purpose and in truth … was the most accurate weapon in the nuclear arsenal. It was not an offensive weapon but defensive. 

Maybe you should reconsider your assessment …