Lesson 1/Learning Event 2
The neutron-induced area is small by comparison with the fallout area produced by the same yield
nuclear weapon. Induced radiation is often contained within the area of great destruction and collateral
obstacles (tree blowdown, rubble, and fire). Frequently, there will be no need to enter the area. If
friendly troops are required to pass through ground zero or occupy positions in the immediate vicinity of
ground zero, however, induced radiation may be operationally significant.
A subsurface burst occurs when a weapon is detonated so that the center of the fireball is beneath the
surface of the earth. If the fireball of this type burst breaks through the surface, fallout and induced
radiation will be produced.
Radiological Information Collection Sources
Radiological contamination on the battlefield may cover large areas and may occur in many locations
with overlap of contaminated areas. Radiological contamination may be in varying stages of standard or
non-standard decay. Initial detection of new contamination will probably be in the form of contact
reports from units, patrols, or observers. These reports will alert the command to the presence of a
previously undetected hazard and cause a new series of orders and requests to be initiated for
contamination information. These orders and requests will be superimposed upon the intelligence cycle
that is already functioning for older contaminated areas. Thus, the supervision and coordination of the
contamination intelligence effort will be a continuing process for the operations and control centers
within the NBC reporting system.
Collection sources for information to be used in determining the need for and planning of radiological
surveys are discussed in the following paragraphs.
company-size units, battalions, brigades, and NBC companies.
Company-size Units. As a rule, company-size units organize and train at least two survey parties
(primary and alternate) for each dose-rate radiaometer chemical agent detector kit, and chemical agent
alarm in the unit. Survey parties are organized to use organic vehicles that provide maximum protection
against nuclear radiation; for example, tanks for armored units.
Battalions and Brigades. Commanders of battalions, brigades, and comparable units are responsible for
training, equipping and organizing a control party capable of planning and directing decentralized
survey operations.
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