ABSTRACT
U.S. policy is “no first use” of lethal or incapacitating chemical agents by the U.S. Armed Forces. However, the right is reserved to retaliate, using lethal or incapacitating chemical agents, against an enemy that has used them on U.S. forces. The authority to order or approve the first retaliatory usage rests with the president. Risk to civilian populations is to be avoided to the maximum extent possible.
