A series of occasional papers on interstellar defence and fleet issues, from Jim's Fighting Fleets study group, the Defence Estimation - Long-term Planning, Homeworlds & Interstellar group.

Paper 1/3209 : MSN OFFENSIVE DOCTRINE - USE OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
3210.050

NUCLEAR WEAPONS

The Mars Space Navy (MSN) has for some time routinely deployed nuclear weapons in the megaton range on all capital ships, and with fleet-based Ground Force Brigades.

Currently, the MSN doctrine, as authorised by the MAFC Supreme Council in 3118 (Updated 3197) is as follows:

A : First use without warning is authorised in the following circumstances:

1. In the event that a Sentient Artificial Intelligence Device (SAID) is positively identified and located.

2. Against any Exterminator vessel or planetside base or forces (added 3197)

B: First use with warning is authorised in the following circumstances:

1. To prevent the imminent destruction of significant civilian infrastructure or lives where there is no other practical alternative.

C: Second use. In every other circumstance, nuclear weapons will be used against nuclear armed opponents who have used such weapons against Martian capability, population or infrastructure, of the capability, population or infrastructure of her allies.

D: Nuclear weapons will never be used against planets or alliances that do not equip their military forces with nuclear weapons, except in the case of A1 above.

CHEMICAL & BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS

The Mars Space Navy does not currently deploy deadly or incapacitating chemical weapons in its armoury. MSN doctrine regarding Chemical and Biological Weapons is that they are of limited effectiveness and difficult to control with precision, particularly in an inhabited biological environment. Such weapons are also unlikely to be of any effective use against SAID.

PLANETARY BOMBARDMENT

The MSN will employ high energy radiant plasma weapons for planetary bombardment only in the following circumstances:

1. In the event that a Sentient Artificial Intelligence Device (SAID) is positively identified and located.

2. In close support of ongoing Ground Force operations in a combat situation outside of a major centre of population.

3. To prevent hostile forces approaching major friendly population centres or infrastructure.

4. Against hostile military establishments, bases or concentrations outside major centres of population.

5. Against any planetside Exterminator elements (added 3197)

High energy plasma weapons will never be used where their impact footprint hits centres of population (except in condition 1 above).

MASS DRIVING

The MAFC and the MSN fully abide by the provisions of the 2977 Treaty of Geneva and will not use mass-driving technologies against any human occupied world, ship or installation.

They reserve the right to employ mass driving against non-human enemies and on worlds occupied by non-human enemies. (added 3197)

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