There are three types of radiation:
ALPHA--Travels only a few centimeters, internal hazard only.
BETA--Travels a few meters in air, limited penetrating power, external and internal hazard.
GAMMA--Travels speed of light, cannot be totally shielded.

Actions Before an Attack:

The best defense against a nuclear attack is to dig in. Unit defensive positions, which vary from soldier's foxholes to improved defensive positions, should be prepared whenever the tactical situation permits.

Foxholes: A deep, round foxhole with overhead cover offers the best protection from blast, thermal radiation, initial nuclear radiation, and fallout.

Field shelters: Well-constructed fighting positions and bunkers provide excellent protection against all the effects of a nuclear detonation.

Tunnels, caves, culverts, and storm drains provide good shelter.

Armored personnel earners, infantry fighting vehicles, and tanks (in a hull-down defilade) give excellent protection.

Weapons, individual equipment, clothing, and other items should be secured in their foxholes. Supplies, explosives, and flammables should be dispersed and protected or shielded. If left unsecured, these may become lethal weapons from the blast wave.

Actions During an Attack

 

• Immediately drop face down.

   

• Close eyes.

   

• Protect exposed skin.

   

• Wait until blast wave passes and debris stops falling.

   

• Stay calm, check for injury.

   

• Check weapons and equipment.

   

• Prepare to continue the mission.

Actions After an Attack

 

• Begin continuous monitoring.

   

• Organize survivors.

   

• Secure and organize equipment.

   

• Cover mouth with handkerchief.

   

• Assist casualties.

   

• Send NBC 1 report.

   

• Improve protection against possible fallout.

   

• Conduct damage assessment and restoration of combat power.

Key Factor in Nuclear Combat

Nuclear detonations can produce large numbers of blast, burn, and projectile injuries that initially must be managed by individual soldiers trained in critical frost-aid procedures.

Critical Period

The great physical damage to the surrounding area as a result of a nuclear detonation will increase delays in medical assistance and evacuation. Quality self-aid and buddy aid will improve casualty survival rates and conserve medical resources. Prompt stabilization will ensure casualties can better withstand evacuation to appropriate medical treatment facilities.

Radiation Guidance

Radiation guidance is the advice by the medical staff officer to the commander concerning the medical effects of predicted and actual radiation received by a unit. Commanders use medical advice and information to weigh the options of retaining soldiers with radiation injury (with the possibility of increasing lethality) versus entry into the medical support system.

Importance of Fitness and Wellness

The percentage of deaths that will occur from a given exposure is not a constant value, and it is, in fact, changed by many conditions. For healthy soldiers, LD + 50 is estimated to be about 450 cGy if no medical care is provided, if there are no other injuries, and if they are required to perform little physical labor. If, however, soldiers with no other injuries are worked to exhaustion or are in poor general health, LD + 50 is be reduced to approximately 300 cGy. Soldiers in good health, promptly evacuated to a CONUS hospital, and provided extensive medical care are expected to have their LD + 50 increased to 600 cGy. Soldiers' fitness and health are, therefore, critical factors for survival on a nuclear battlefield.