National Command Authority

The term National Command Authority (NCA) is used in United States military and government circles to refer to the ultimate lawful source of military orders. Though the term is singular, it in reality refers to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense.

Related Topics:
United States - Military - Government - President of the United States - Secretary of Defense

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Only the NCA can order the use of nuclear weapons, including the Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP). Neither individual, by himself, can order that strategic nuclear weapons be used against any country or region.

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If the NCA determines that a nuclear strike is necessary, they must jointly inform the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who in turn will direct a general officer on duty in the National Military Command Center (NMCC) at the Pentagon to execute the SIOP.

Related Topics:
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - National Military Command Center - Pentagon

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The use of the term dates from the Cold War era in which the United States and Soviet Union had nuclear missiles on constant alert and a responsible official had to be available to authorize a retaliatory strike within a matter of minutes. Detailed Continuity of Government plans provided for monitoring the whereabouts of certain key government officials who would become the National Command Authority if the President were himself victim of an enemy attack.

Related Topics:
Cold War - Soviet Union - Nuclear missile - Continuity of Government plans

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