 美国承认，由于其破坏潜力，核武器系统需要得到极其特别的考虑。在这方面，美国采取了各种措施来确保核武器可靠、安全和受到积极控制——这一概念被我们称为“核保证”，这是国家的一个最重要优先事项。这涉及吸取过去的经验教训在科学和工程学方面做出巨大努力，目的是，如下文所阐明的，预防意外或由于疏忽而爆炸。
• The United States recognizes that nuclear weapon systems require extraordinarily special consideration because of their destructive potential. In that regard, the United States takes a variety of measures to ensure that nuclear weapons remain safe, secure, and under positive control — a concept we term “nuclear surety,” which is an overriding national priority. This involves significant science and engineering efforts that draw on the lessons of the past and are aimed at preventing an accidental or inadvertent detonation, as illustrated below.