Department of Defense
MANUAL
NUMBER 3150.02
January 31, 2014
Incorporating Change 4, Effective May 7, 2021
USD(A&S)
SUBJECT: DoD Nuclear Weapon System Safety Program Manual
References: See Enclosure 1
1. PURPOSE. This manual reissues DoD 3150.2-M (Reference (a)) in accordance with the
authority in DoD Directive (DoDD) 5134.08 (Reference (b)) to implement policy, update
responsibilities, and establish mandatory procedures for the DoD nuclear weapon system safety
program for U.S. nuclear weapons in DoD custody.
2. APPLICABILITY. This manual applies to OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the
Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field
Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD (referred to collectively in this
manual as the “DoD Components”).
3. POLICY. It is DoD policy that in accordance with DoDD 3150.02 (Reference (c)):
a. Nuclear weapon systems require special consideration because of their political and
military importance, their destructive power, and the potential consequences of an accident or
unauthorized act. Assured nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon systems safety, security, and
control remains of paramount importance. Nuclear command and control safety and security
also remain of paramount importance as stated in DoDD S-5210.81 (Reference (d)).
b. Standards, plans, procedures, and other positive measures will be developed and
maintained to ensure the DoD can accomplish its nuclear mission in a safe, secure, and reliable
manner. Four DoD nuclear weapon system surety standards provide positive measures to:
(1) Prevent nuclear weapons involved in accidents or incidents, or jettisoned weapons,
from producing a nuclear yield.
(2) Prevent deliberate pre-arming, arming, launching, or releasing of nuclear weapons,
except upon execution of emergency war orders or when directed by competent authority.
