scope:

Purpose

a. To establish and maintain the Department of the Navy (DON) Nuclear Weapons Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) per references (a) through (c).

b. To provide policy and guidance for the administration of the DON PRP.

c. This instruction has been revised substantially and should be read in its entirety with references (a) and (b). Changes include:

(1) Reorganization of PRP policy approval, development, and oversight responsibilities within the DON.

(2) Guidance regarding initial and refresher training requirements.

(3) Modification of process to approve the use of contractors in the PRP.

(4) Implementation of DON medical records review process.

(5) Changes to the permanent decertification administrative process.

Applicability

a. This instruction applies to:

(1) DON commands or activities which possess nuclear weapons or nuclear command and control (NC2) systems and equipment, or are identified as a "nuclear capable activity" by reference (d) (hereafter referred to as PRP commands and activities);

(2) DON military members, civilian personnel, and contractors assigned to or in training leading to assignment to PRP positions (see reference (b) for typical PRP positions); and

(3) DON commands and activities which provide support or services to the above entities or individuals.

b. Although strict adherence to PRP procedures during transition to war or during wartime may be impractical, particularly in a combat theater, the intent of PRP policy shall apply. Commanding officers, while not encumbered with the administrative controls of the PRP, shall continue to apply their best professional judgment and select only the most trusted individuals to perform nuclear weapon duties.