COMDTINST 5721.1A
c.
As a military service and branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Coast
Guard must ensure that it does not breach this uniform national policy. Standardization is
necessary to prevent inferences or assumptions about the presence of nuclear weapons or
components on board military ships, stations or aircraft. Inaccurate or distorted
information with respect to the location of nuclear weapons or components could be as
damaging to the security of the United States as revealing accurate information.
d.
Agreed measures in furtherance of reference (b) require that "the names, types, numbers,
descriptions and armaments of ships, aircraft and other vehicles introduced into the
Antarctic Treaty Area and information on military equipment, if any, and its location in
the area" be provided to the signatory nations prior to 30 November each year. These
facilities are subject to full inspection by signatory parties to ensure compliance. The
United States adheres to the provisions of this treaty. Therefore, it is appropriate that
inquiries concerning icebreakers in the Antarctic Treaty Area be referred to the
information exchange notice published by the National Science Foundation. Reference to
that notification is only appropriate while the vessels are deployed in support of the U.S.
Antarctic Program.
e.
The requirements stated in paragraph 4 below are regulatory and mandatory. The
requirements apply to and are binding on all personnel subject to the Uniform Code of
Military Justice. Violation of any provision contained in paragraph 3 of this instruction is
punishable in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Under sections
5.3.(b) and 5.4 of reference (a), civilian employees of the United States Government, and
its contractors, licenses, and grantees are subject to sanctions for knowingly and willfully
violating provisions of this instruction.
4.
POLICY.
a.
Personnel shall not reveal, purport to reveal, or cause to be revealed any information,
rumor or speculation with respect to the presence or absence of nuclear weapons or
components on board any ship, station or aircraft. Statements shall not be made either on
one's own initiative or in response, direct or indirect, to any inquiry. These provisions
apply without regard to the accuracy of such information, rumor or speculation, and
without regard to the belief of such member of the Coast Guard as to the accuracy of such
information, rumor, or speculation.
b.
Personnel who receive or are informed of any request, oral or written, for information or
assurances with respect to the presence or absence of nuclear weapons or components
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