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The third part. also sponsored by DOD, addressed a military problem that was newer: nuclear weapons in air and ballistic missile defense. The HARDTACK tests directed toward this problem consisted of three hlgh-altitude shots, two of which (TEAK and ORANGE) were rocket borne and were conducted at Johnston Island. The third of these high-altltude tests YUCCA was carrled aloft by a balloon over the ocean between Enewetak and Bikinl. These high-altitude tests used device placement techniques and data-recording operations that were new to nuclear weapons testing.
Central to the test series was the experimental program. This program and Its requirements dictated the form of the test organization and the detail of personnel participation. HARDTACK's experiments program incorporated two aspects. The first of which was the development of the weapons themselves, and the second involved the measurement of the explosive and radiation effects. Unlike earlier nuclear test series, the HARDTACK test operations supporting each aspect were in large part separate.
These two aspects can serve as a rough measure of differentiation of interest between the major participants: the AEC interest in weapon development and the DOD interest in the military applicatlon of the effects of the exploslons. The several parts of the weapon development and effects studies each had particular features that led to the possibility of radiation exposure.
RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY
For Operatlon HARDTACK, CJTF 7 was directed to "assume overall responsibility for the radlologlcal safety of Task Force personnel and of populated lslands." To carry out this responsibility the JTF 7 Operatlon Plan further directed that a Fallout plotting Center be set up and that the capability be etablished to keep the task force and CINCPAC informed of the fallout situation at all times, including the announcement of safe reentry times. Fallout stations were to be set up and technical assistance given to personnel in the Trust Territory of the Paciflc Islands. Monitors and couriers were to be provided for radioactlve sample centers.
In addition, the Operatlon Plan specified that task group commanders establish radiatlon safety (radsafe) units within the task groups with adequate special clothing and radlac lnstrumentation. Task groups were also to provide a roster of their personnel for film badge preparation.
The radsafe program for Operation HARDTACK was divided into two parts: onsite and offsite. Onsite radsafe activities were conducted by the various task groups, with the scientific task group given the responsibility for all radsafe functions associated with diagnostic experimental programs and for dosimetry and other technical services to the entire task force. The operation of the offsite program and the coordination of the onsite activitles were conducted by the Radsafe Office of Hq JTF 7.
RADIATION SAFETY STANDARDS
A maximum permissible exposure MPE) for personnel was set at 3.75 roentgens (R) (gamma only) per consecutive 13 - week period with a maximum of 5 R for the operation.
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