👉 The Applicant Missiles (AM) concept, introduced by the U.S. military in the 1980s, is a strategic defense system designed to detect and intercept ballistic missiles. The term "Applicant Missiles" refers to a network of satellites and ground-based sensors that form a layered defense, much like an applicant for a job, where each layer has specific roles and responsibilities. These systems use advanced radar and optical sensors to track incoming missiles, providing early warning to interceptors positioned in various locations. The AM system aims to provide robust missile defense by ensuring that even if some missiles evade initial intercepts, others can still neutralize them, thereby enhancing national security against ballistic threats.