National Security Study Memorandum 3 (NSSM-3): A Pivotal Initiative in U.S. Defense Policy Development

摘要

National Security Study Memorandum 3 (NSSM-3) was signed by Henry Kissinger, the newly appointed Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the day after President Nixon's inauguration in January 1969. The memorandum required, by 1 July, a review of our military posture and the balance of power as well as the security and foreign policy implications of a wide range of alternative budget levels and strategies for strategic forces (SF) and general purpose forces (OPF). Ultimately, two studies--one on SF and one on OPF- were conducted. Within days, detailed pilot studies, terms of reference (TOR), study organization, and schedule were distributed. All were modified in the course of the study. For example, within a month the President accelerated the SF study to be done by 1 May. The GPF study proceeded separately and concluded with an NSC meeting on 10 September. Dr. Kissinger presented the matter privately to President Nixon for decision on 2 October. National Security Decision Memorandum 27 (NSDM-27) promulgated the decision, notably the 'one major plus one minor' war, or 1 1/2 war strategy.