Low-Level Radiation

The United States Army Chemical School provides radiological training to lieutenants and captains in the Chemical Officer Basic Course (CBOLC) and the Chemical Captain's Career Course (CMC3). Most of the radiological terminal learning objectives for the courses are focused on nuclear weapons and their effects. Chemical officers have to be able to provide timely and accurate advice to their Commanders on the low-level radiation hazards as well as the high-level radiological hazards like those resulting from nuclear detonations. Low-level radiological sources can present physical health hazards and there can be adverse psychological impacts if individuals believe that they may have been exposed and adequate responses are not initiated. This thesis analyzed the Programs of Instruction (POIs) for the two courses to determine what low-level radiological training is currently being conducted and to develop recommendations for additional radiological training that should be added or integrated into the existing courses. This thesis determined that additional low-level radiation training for both chemical lieutenants and captains is required. The radiological training currently being taught does not provide adequate information for chemical officers to properly advise their commanders on the low-level radiation threat. This thesis also determined that some military publications need to be revised.