U.S. Dept. of Defense:
The nominee to be commander of U.S. Strategic Command told lawmakers at his confirmation hearing today that adoption of a “no first use” policy for nuclear weapons is a bad idea.
“My best military advice would be to not adopt a no first use policy,” said Navy Vice Adm. Charles A. Richard, before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
A “no first use” policy is commitment by a nuclear power, such as the United States, to only use nuclear weapons in response to the use of such weapons by an enemy. Richard said the adoption of such a policy would impact its relationship with partner nations.
