(3) Radiological monitoring.
Radiological monitors should habitually accompany the lead elements and
continuously monitor the route of advance.
Information obtained by these
monitors can be used to determine if radiation has been encountered, how the
dose rate increases with direction of travel, and whether the maximum dose
rate point has been passed for any route selected through the area of
radiation.
b. Courses of Action.
(1) Selecting a route.
Any route, whether a straight line or a peripheral course, that avoids the
area in the vicinity of ground zero will reduce doses below those from a
route which passes through or near ground zero. However, this option as to
route selection may be influenced by the terrain. Obstacles formed by tree
blowdown, fires, and building collapse may limit not only the number of
routes available but also whether movement is on foot or in vehicles.
(2) Mode of crossing.
If there is an option as to the method of transportation to be used in
crossing an area of induced activity, it should be selected in the following
priority:
1. Armored vehicles and personnel carriers.
2. Wheeled and tracked vehicles, preferably with sandbagged floors and
sides.
3. On foot.
(3) Maximum Dose Rate Point.
When crossing an area of induced radiation, the commander should note the
point of maximum dose rate.
At this point closest to ground zero, assume
that the total traversal dose will equal two times the current dosimeter
reading at the point of maximum dose rate; that is, assuming the dosimeter
reading was zero before entering the area.
Beyond this maximum dose rate
point, it will usually be just as safe to continue to advance or to move
laterally away from ground zero rather than to withdraw. If the dose rate
is becoming prohibitively high, causing the total dose to approach the
operation exposure guide, prior to reaching this maximum dose-rate point,
the commander may elect to change the route of advance or withdraw,
depending upon the tactical situation.
CM5206
5-24
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