The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) includes a basic treaty text and a number of supporting documents. In addition, there are several protocols that provide implementing procedures that support the obligations of the Treaty and which are integral parts of the Treaty.

The Treaty Document

The 17 articles in which the United States and the Soviet Union agree to reduce and limit their strategic offensive arms cover weapons limits, counting rules, conversion or elimination of weapons, verification and inspections, cooperative measures, the creation of the Joint Compliance and Inspection Commission (JCIC), and procedures for entry into force, amendment, duration and withdrawal.

Annex on Agreed Statements

includes agreed statements to amplify the basic treaty provisions.

Annex on Definitions and Terms

provides definitions for terms used throughout the Treaty.

Protocol on Conversion or Elimination

sets forth the procedures to convert or eliminate treaty limited items.

Memorandum of Understanding on Data

establishes benchmark data base and categories for the Treaty, which will be periodically updated.

Protocol on Inspection

provides detailed provisions regarding the treaty obligations for on-site inspection and continuous monitoring activities. Sets forth the procedures to implement the inspection provisions.

Protocol on Notification

supports verification obligations by setting forth required notifications regarding status of strategic nuclear arms.

Protocol on Throw-Weight

sets forth the procedures governing the determination and accountability of ICBM and SLBM throw-weight.

Protocol on the Joint Compliance and Inspection Commission (JCIC)

sets forth procedures governing the activities and procedures of the JCIC.

Protocol on Telemetry

sets forth provisions for the exchange of telemetry tapes, exemptions, interpretive data and acceleration profiles.