May 2, 2005
UPI
Washington Times
Washington, DC -- The U.S. military has outlined plans to allow commanders in the Japan region to request permission to carry out preemptive nuclear strikes from the president.
The measure, outlined in a draft nuclear operations paper by the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S. Armed Forces, would allow commanders to preempt possible weapons of mass destruction attacks on the United States or its allies, Kyodo News reported Sunday.
The paper also said submarines in Japanese waters are prepared for reloading nuclear warheads if necessary to deal with a crisis.
The March 15 draft paper, titled "Doctrine for Joint Nuclear Operations," provides "guidelines for the joint employment of forces in nuclear operations ... for the employment of U.S. nuclear forces, command and control relationships, and weapons effect considerations."
"There are numerous nonstate organizations (terrorist, criminal) and about 30 nations with WMD programs, including many regional states," the paper said.
The paper identifies nuclear, biological and chemical weapons as requiring preemptive strikes to prevent their use.
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050501-033240-5837r.htm