National Security Decision Directive 3

NATIONAL SECURITY DECISION DIRECTIVE NUMBER 3

A national security matter for which Presidential decisions and implementing instructions are required more rapidly than routine interdeparment NSC staff support provides may be considered in the context of crisis management.

SPECIAL SITUATION GROUP (SSG)

Crisis management shall be the responsibility of a Special Situation Group (SSG) chaired by the Vice President. The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; at the direction of the Vice President, will convene the SSG when the gravity of the situation warrants. The function of the SSG will be to advise the President with respect to decision options on domestic, foreign and military policies and actions.

The SSG will consist of the Vice President (Chairman), the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Counsellor to the President, the Director of Central Intelligence, the Chief of Staff to the President, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and others designated by the Vice President.

The Special Situation Group will:

a. Formulate contingency planning in anticipation of a crisis;

b. Monitor the crisis, drawing on the resources of government agencies and other information resources;

c. Formulate options for consideration by the National Security Council or for submission directly to the President;

d. Ensure that Presidential decisions are transmitted to agencies and departments for implementation

e. Monitor the implementation of the Presidential decisions and directives;

f. Provide communications and press guidance for White House and Departmental use.

The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs will effect liaison between the SSG and the NSC, and will make recommendations to the Vice President on agenda items.

INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUPS

For the purpose of supporting the Vice President in crisis management, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs will convene interagency working groups as appropriate.

SECRETARIAT

The NSC staff will provide support for the SSG.