Translate at sight

US War-making Authority[1]

Today most nations have assigned a special status to nuclear, biological, and certain kinds of chemical weapons. All are indiscriminate weapons that can devastate wide areas by killing and injuring soldiers and civilians alike. Their use cannot be justified by battlefield necessity alone. The authority to unleash such weapons is thus reserved for the highest levels of the national government.

In the U.S., the president, as head of the armed forces, retains sole authority over their employment, but even the president has to answer to the legislative branch except in cases of the greatest national emergency such as a surprise strategic missile attack.

Threatened U.S. missile sites, for example, might be ordered to launch their own ICBMs as soon as possible. U.S. military aircraft, especially the strategic bombers, could become airborne, and U.S. warships and naval aircraft could provide protection for the launching of ballistic missiles by submarines.

In addition, to preserve the national decision-making power, the president and other key leaders would be transported rapidly to remote, ground-based command centers. Presidential authority and control can be maintained during this move from aboard an airborne mobile command center – a large jetliner that is equipped with elaborate communications gear.

No less important is civilian control of tactical nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons on loan to allied military forces. In each case, presidential approval is needed before a weapon's employment. These procedures not only increase civilian control over nuclear weapons but also enhance their special status, making their use by either side in a conflict less likely.