Metz, France

Three "Soft Sport" exercises were initiated during the NATO sponsored exercise "Top Weight" and the following comments and recommendations are passed for your information and perusal.

The purpose and aim of the Exercises were to:

1. Familiarize the personnel of 61 AC&W Sqn with the Shelter and Bunker complex and accustom these people to the living conditions in which they would be subjected during a nuclear war involving fall-out conditions.
2. To test and evaluate the operating procedures and equipment of the Passive Defence Unit HQs (PDSU HQs).
3. To maintain the operational commitment of 61 AC&W Sqn during fall-out conditions.
4. To test and evaluate the operational procedures, dress and equipment of the radiological monitoring, decontamination and cleansing sections.

The first passive defence exercise was organized by SU/GDefO and was initiated at 1700Z/15 Apr by YJ DC who passed the situation report to the PDSU HQs via the TANNOY Communication system (A copy of the situation report is attached).

As the unit was involved in heavy flying commitments no actual physical change over of personnel was attempted however section heads commenced a synthetic change-over utilizing the Radiation figures posted on the radiation intensity board by the decontamination and survey officer.

Although the actual changing of personnel was simulated the fact that they were reporting into the shelter provided a physical test of equipment and procedures for the monitors, decontaminations and cleansing sections.

Personnel were duly processed thru the monitor’s check point at the entrance to Salle des Machines, their names were recorded and DT60s checked, however after entering the clean area, control of these people became very loose.

The second "Soft Spot" exercise was initiated by Air Division HQs and involves a simulated nuclear blast near #3 Fighter Wing. Again personnel were paper switched to maintain the units operational commitments during fall-out conditions. This second exercise gave further experience to the PDSU personnel and also provided the section heads with the opportunity of applying new ideas on scheduling and control of personnel.

The third and last Soft Spot type exercise during exercise "Top Weight" was called towards the end of the exercise and involved the physical change of personnel to maintain the operational role of the unit under extremely high radiation and fall-out conditions.

The situation times and readings are recorded here to give an idea of the length of time available for the change of personnel and also keep within the maximum tolerance dose of 300 rads laid down by the CO –

It was interesting to note that as the fall-out diminished the radioactivity inside tended to remain constant or even increase due to radioactive dust remaining on roofs of buildings and adjacent ground area.

The physical change-over of personnel was accomplished by a shuttle service utilizing a 15 passenger bus and an AFP Station Wagon when available.

During the exercise, drivers were supplied by the Tech Section, however, one driver was lost for every return trip made due to maximum dosage being received. This problem would be eliminated in each shift change drive the vehicle.

The PDSU HQs functioning as intended. No great difficulty was encountered in computing Radiation readings although a "Ground Large" ? computor as used by SUGDef Section would ease the eye strain.

Communications: The communications installed in the control centre A/PDSU was found to be adequate however thought might be given to a TANNOY system connecting the standby rooms, First Aid Post, Admin and Canteen centres in the 61 AC&W Sqn bunker complex.

General: It is felt by the undersigned that the passive defence exercises called during "Top Weight" were extremely successful in accomplishing the aim as stated in para 2 however the following recommendations are extended for possible action:

1. Continued training of personnel for Passive Defence duties.
2. Control points set up at entrance to tunnel at Salle des Machines and West Battery for control of personnel.
3. Separate room or area for Section heads to work out schedules etc.
4. Continued renovation re heat, lighting accommodation, etc.