Commandant
2100 Second Street, SW
United States Coast Guard
Washington, DC 20593-0001
(202) 267-2039
COMDTINST 5721.1A
31 DEC 1992
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 5721.1A
Subj: Release of Information on Nuclear Weapons and Capabilities of U.S. Forces
Ref:
(a) Executive Order 12356 dtd 02 Apr 82
(b) The Antarctic Treaty, TIAS 4780; 12 U.S.T. 794
(c) COMDTINST M5260.2, The Privacy and Freedom of Information Acts Manual
1.
PURPOSE. To promulgate a Coast Guard directive for adherence to the standard and uniform
policy of the United States Government concerning the release of information about nuclear
weapons and capabilities of U.S. Forces.
2.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. Commandant Instruction 5721.1 is cancelled.
3.
DISCUSSION.
a.
Reference (a) states that in the interest of national security, it is necessary to safeguard
information relating to nuclear weapons and capabilities of U.S. Forces. In a highly
publicized address on 27 September 1991, the President mandated that all tactical nuclear
weapons be removed from U.S. surface ships, attack submarines, and naval aircraft.
Subsequently on 2 July 1992, it was announced that the removal was complete.
b.
The President's address led to a review of the "neither-confirm-nor-deny" (NCND) policy
by the U.S. Government. The results of the review determined that a NCND policy should
remain in effect for all U.S. armed forces. New statements were developed to be used by
U.S. forces when responding to questions about nuclear weapon deployment. The
statements became effective 2 July 1992 and are listed in paragraphs 4.b and 4.c of this
instruction.
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