What designation must personnel have if they have physical access to nuclear weapons?

Personnel who have physical access to nuclear weapons must hold a designation known as Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) status. This program is critical to ensuring that individuals who have access to nuclear weapons are reliable and trustworthy. The PRP includes a comprehensive assessment process that evaluates the individual's mental and emotional stability, as well as their overall character.

Holding PRP status is essential because it establishes a framework for ongoing monitoring of individuals' behaviors and circumstances that could affect their reliability. The primary objective of the PRP is to ensure that only those who meet stringent criteria regarding reliability and trustworthiness can physically interact with nuclear weapons, thereby enhancing nuclear safety and security.

While other designations, such as security clearances, can provide access to classified information, they do not specifically address the suitability of an individual for access to nuclear weapons in the same comprehensive manner as the PRP. Thus, PRP designation is the key requirement for personnel who need physical access to nuclear weapons.