JP 3-0, page 164

Chapter V V-58 JP 3-0 shielding against blast and radiation effects. Enhancement of CBRN defense capabilities may reduce incentives for a first strike by an enemy with WMD. (c) The combination of active and passive defense can reduce the effectiveness or success of an enemy’s use of WMD. The JFC may have to conduct offensive operations to neutralize or destroy enemy WMD capabilities before they can be brought to bear. Offensive measures include raids, strikes, and operations designed to locate and neutralize the threat of such weapons. When conducting offensive operations, the JFC must fully understand the collateral effects created by striking or neutralizing enemy WMD capabilities. (d) JFCs should immediately inform HN authorities, OGAs, IGOs, or NGOs in the operational area of enemy intentions to use WMD. These organizations do not have the same intelligence or decontamination capabilities as military units and need the maximum amount of time available to protect their personnel. In the event WMD are used against nonmilitary targets, JFCs must plan for and prepare to manage the consequences of CBRN incidents to mitigate the effects. For additional guidance on defensive CBRN measures and countermeasures, refer to JP 3-11, Operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Environments; JP 3-40, Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction; JP 3-41, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence Management; and the National Military Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction. (3) Friendly Employment. When directed by the President and SecDef, CCDRs will plan for the employment of nuclear weapons by US forces in a manner consistent with national policy and strategic guidance. The employment of such weapons signifies an escalation of the war and is a Presidential decision. USSTRATCOM’s capabilities to assist in the collaborative planning of all nuclear missions are available to support nuclear weapon employment. If directed to plan for the use of nuclear weapons, JFCs typically have two escalating objectives. (a) The first is to deter or prevent the enemy from using WMD. To make opponents understand that friendly forces possess and will use such weapons, JFCs may simply communicate that to the enemy, using IO or other means. Regardless, JFCs must implement measures to increase readiness and preserve the option to respond, including the alert and forward positioning, if required, of appropriate systems. Prevention or denial may include targeting and attacking enemy WMD capability by conventional and SO forces. (b) If deterrence is not an effective option or fails, JFCs will respond appropriately, consistent with national policy and strategic guidance, to enemy aggression while seeking to control the intensity and scope of conflict and destruction. That response may include the employment of conventional, SO, or nuclear forces.