JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States - Defense ...

Chapter V
16. National Military Command System
The NMCS is the priority component of the DOD information networks designed to
support the President, SecDef, and the JCS in the exercise of their responsibilities. The
NMCS provides the means by which the President and SecDef can receive warning and
intelligence so that accurate and timely decisions can be made, the resources of the Military
Services can be applied, military missions can be assigned, and direction can be
communicated to CCDRs or the commanders of other commands. Both the communication
of warning and intelligence from all sources and the communication of decisions and
commands to military forces require that the NMCS be a responsive, reliable, and survivable
system. An enduring command structure with survivable systems is both required and
fundamental to NMCS continuity of operations.
For further information, refer to JP 6-0, Joint Communications System.
17. Nuclear Command and Control System
General operational responsibility for the Nuclear Command and Control System
(NCCS) lies with CJCS and is centrally directed through the Joint Staff. The NCCS
supports the Presidential nuclear C2 of the CCMDs in the areas of integrated tactical
warning and attack assessment, decision making, decision dissemination, and force
management and report back. To accomplish this, the NCCS comprises those critical
communications system components of the DOD information networks that provide
connectivity from the President and SecDef through the NMCS to the nuclear CCDRs and
nuclear execution forces. It includes the emergency action message dissemination systems
and those systems used for tactical warning/attack assessment, conferencing, force report
back, reconnaissance, retargeting, force management, and requests for permission to use
nuclear weapons. The NCCS is integral to and ensures performance of critical strategic
functions of the Global Command and Control System. The Minimum Essential Emergency
Communications Network provides assured communications connectivity between the
President and the strategic deterrent forces in stressed environments.
18. Defense Continuity Program
The Defense Continuity Program is an integrated program composed of DOD policies,
plans, procedures, assets, and resources that ensures continuity of DOD component missionessential
functions under all circumstances, including crisis, attack, recovery, and
reconstitution. It encompasses the DOD components performing continuity of operations,
continuity of government, and enduring constitutional government functions to enhance
readiness posture.
For further information, refer to DODD 3020.26, Department of Defense Continuity
Programs.
V-20 JP 1