text: FM 7-100.1________________________________________________________________________________
  TYPES OF NUCLEAR ATTACK
  11-34. The OPFOR categorizes nuclear attacks as either massed or indi-
  vidual attacks. The category depends on the number of targets hit and the
  number of nuclear munitions used.
  11-35. A massed nuclear attack employs multiple nuclear munitions simul-
  taneously or over a short time interval. The goal is to destroy a single large
  enemy formation, or several formations, as well as other important enemy
  targets. A massed attack can involve a single service of the State’s Armed
  Forces, as in a nuclear missile attack by the Strategic Forces, or the com-
  bined forces of different services.
  11-36. An individual nuclear attack may hit a single target or group of
  targets. The attack consists of a single nuclear munition, such as a missile or
  bomb.
  NUCLEAR RELEASE
  11-37. At all stages of a conflict, the OPFOR keeps nuclear forces ready to
  make an attack. The decision to initiate nuclear warfare occurs at the highest
  level of the State government. National-level planners develop the fire plan
  for the initial nuclear attack for approval by the NCA.
  11-38. After the initial nuclear release, the NCA may delegate employment
  authority for subsequent nuclear attacks to an OSC commander. The
  commander of the OSC’s integrated fires command (IFC) submits to the
  OSC commander, for approval and integration into OSC fire support
  plans, recommendations for the subsequent employment of nuclear and
  chemical weapons.
  OFFENSIVE NUCLEAR EMPLOYMENT
  11-39. Once the NCA releases nuclear weapons, two principles govern
  their use: mass and surprise. The OPFOR plans to conduct the initial
  nuclear attack suddenly and in coordination with nonnuclear fires. Initial
  nuclear attack objectives are to destroy the enemy’s main combat forma-
  tions, C2 systems, and nuclear and precision weapons, thereby isolating
  the battlefield.
  11-40. Nuclear attacks may target and destroy the enemy’s defenses and set
  the conditions for the exploitation force. Other fire support means support
  the assault and fixing forces. The OPFOR may plan a high-speed air and
  ground offensive operation to exploit the nuclear attack.
  11-41. If the enemy continues to offer organized resistance, the OPFOR
  might employ subsequent nuclear attacks to reinitiate offensive operations.
  Nuclear attacks can eliminate the threat of a counterattack or clear re-
  sistance from the opposite bank in a water-obstacle crossing. If the enemy
  begins to withdraw, the OPFOR plans nuclear attacks on choke points where
  retreating enemy forces present lucrative targets.