Desert Rock exercises

Desert Rockwas thecode nameof a series of exercises conducted by the US military in conjunction with atmosphericnuclear tests.They were carried out at theNevada Proving Groundsbetween 1951 and 1957.

Their purpose was to train troops and gain knowledge of military maneuvers and operations on thenuclear battlefield.They included observer programs, tactical maneuvers, and damage effects tests.

Camp Desert Rock(36°37′32″N116°01′18″W/ 36.6256°N 116.0217°W/36.6256; -116.0217) was established in 1951, 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) south ofCamp Mercury.The site was used to billet troops and stage equipment. The camp was discontinued as an Army installation in 1964.

Summary[edit]

Exercise	Nuclear Test Series	Date	Total DoD Participants	Tactical Maneuver Personnel
Desert Rock I, II, III^[1]	Operation Buster–Jangle	22 Oct. - 22 Nov. 1951	11,000	6,500
Desert Rock IV^[2]	Operation Tumbler–Snapper	1 Apr. - 5 Jun. 1952	11,700	7,400
Desert Rock V^[3]	Operation Upshot–Knothole	17 Mar. - 4 Jun. 1953	20,100
Desert Rock VI^[4]	Operation Teapot	18 Feb. - 15 May 1955	11,700	8,000
Desert Rock VII, VIII^[5]	Operation Plumbbob	24 Apr. - 7 Oct. 1957	14,000

Desert Rock I, II, III[edit]

Observer programs were conducted at shotsDog,Sugar,andUncle.Tactical maneuvers were conducted after shotDog.Damage effects tests were conducted at shotsDog,Sugar,andUncleto determine the effects of a nuclear detonation on military equipment and field fortifications.

Desert Rock IV[edit]

Observer programs were conducted at shotsCharlie,Dog,Fox,andGeorge.Tactical maneuvers were conducted after shotsCharlie,Dog,andGeorge.Psychological tests were conducted at shotsCharlie,Fox,andGeorgeto determine the troops' reactions to witnessing a nuclear detonation.

Desert Rock V[edit]

Observer programs were conducted at shotsAnnie,Badger,Encore,andGrable.Exercise Desert Rock V included troop orientation and training, a volunteer officer observer program, tactical troop maneuvers, operational helicopter tests, and damage effects evaluation.

Desert Rock VI[edit]

Observer programs were conducted at shotsWasp,Moth,Tesla,Turk,Bee,Ess,Apple 1,andApple 2.Tactical maneuvers were conducted after shotsBeeandApple 2.Technical studies were conducted at shotsWasp,Moth, Tesla,Turk,Bee,Ess,Apple 1,Wasp Prime,Met,andApple 2.

A test of an armored task force, RAZOR, was conducted at shotApple 2to demonstrate the capability of a reinforced tank battalion to seize an objective immediately after a nuclear detonation.

Desert Rock VII, VIII[edit]

Tactical maneuvers were conducted after shotsHood,Smoky,andGalileo.At shotHood,the Marine Corps conducted a maneuver involving the use of a helicopter airlift and tactical air support. At shotSmoky,Army troops conducted an airlift assault, and at shotGalileo,Army troops were tested to determine their psychological reactions to witnessing a nuclear detonation.

Research[edit]

^Operation BUSTER-JANGLE Fact SheetDefense Threat Reduction Agency
^Operation TUMBLER-SNAPPER Fact SheetDefense Threat Reduction Agency
^Operation UPSHOT-KNOTHOLE Fact SheetDefense Threat Reduction Agency
^Operation TEAPOT Fact SheetDefense Threat Reduction Agency
^Operation PLUMBBOB Fact SheetDefense Threat Reduction Agency

External links[edit]

Camp Desert Rock TestsonYouTube
The short filmBig Picture: Atomic Battlefieldis available for free viewing and download at theInternet Archive.
The short filmExercise Desert Rock (1951)is available for free viewing and download at theInternet Archive.
ACHRE report Chapter 10: Human Research at the Bomb Tests The Defense Department's Medical Experts: Advocates of Troop Maneuvers and Human Experimentation

[1] Operation BUSTER-JANGLE Fact SheetDefense Threat Reduction Agency

[2] Operation TUMBLER-SNAPPER Fact SheetDefense Threat Reduction Agency

[3] Operation UPSHOT-KNOTHOLE Fact SheetDefense Threat Reduction Agency

[4] Operation TEAPOT Fact SheetDefense Threat Reduction Agency

[5] Operation PLUMBBOB Fact SheetDefense Threat Reduction Agency

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]