National Security Decision Memorandum 16

This document, dated June 1969, discusses the criteria for strategic sufficiency in relation to nuclear attacks on the United States. The President has made the following decisions:

1. Maintain a high level of confidence in the second strike capability to deter a surprise attack on strategic forces.
2. Maintain forces that would discourage the Soviet Union from initiating a first strike in a crisis.
3. Maintain the capability to prevent the Soviet Union from causing significantly more casualties and damage in the United States than they would suffer in a nuclear war.
4. Deploy defenses that can limit damage from small attacks or accidental launches to a low level.

The President directs that these criteria be used by all agencies for considering issues related to the U.S. strategic posture.