Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Joint Publication 3-40 i PREFACE

This publication provides guidance and the basis for the planning and execution of military activities to counter weapons of mass destruction. 2. Purpose This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS). It sets forth countering weapons of mass destruction doctrine to govern the activities and performance of the Armed Forces of the US in joint operations and provides the doctrinal basis for US military coordination with other US Government departments and agencies and for US military involvement in multinational operations. It provides military guidance for the exercise of authority by combatant commanders and other joint force commanders (JFCs) and prescribes joint doctrine for operations. It provides military guidance for use by the Armed Forces in preparing their appropriate plans. It is not the intent of this publication to restrict the authority of the JFC from task organizing the force and executing the mission in a manner the JFC deems most appropriate to ensure unity of effort in the accomplishment of the overall objective. 3. Applicatio