Marine Rifle Squad

9.34
Section V. Nuclear and Chemical Defense
9501. Introduction to Nuclear Defense
The introduction of nuclear weapons in modern warfare has placed greater
responsibility on the unit leader. While nuclear fires produce casualties
through blast, heat, and radiation, their effect depends upon many variables.
Such variables include the size or yield of the weapon, height of burst
(subsurface, surface, or airburst), distance from ground zero, and the protection
afforded troops by fighting holes or armor. Marines with a basic
knowledge of nuclear weapons and their effects can survive and still function
as an effective part of a combat unit. Tests have proven that troops with
adequate protection can operate within a matter of minutes in an area where
a nuclear explosion has occurred.
a. Conventional and Nuclear Explosions. There are several basic
differences between a nuclear and a high explosive detonation. First,
nuclear explosion may be many thousands or millions of times more powerful
than that of the largest conventional weapon. Second, a fairly large
portion of the energy of a nuclear explosion is in the form of heat and
light or thermal radiation, which is capable of producing injury or starting
fires at considerable distances from the point of detonation. Third, and
probably the greatest difference, is the highly penetrating and harmful rays,
called initial nuclear radiation. Finally, the substances left after the explosion
are radioactive, giving off harmful radiation over an extended period
of time. This is known as the residual nuclear radiation or residual radioactivity.
It is these differences between the conventional and nuclear explosions
that require special considerations.
b. Effects on Individuals. Casualties from nuclear fire result from blast,
thermal radiation, and nuclear radiation effects.
(1) Blast. Injuries are caused by both direct and indirect blast effects.
Direct effect injuries, such as ruptured eardrums and internal injuries,
are the result of the very high pressure waves generated by the blast.
Indirect effect injuries are caused by falling buildings; flying objects; scattered
glass; and fires started from short circuits, overturned stoves, and
ignited fuels. The highest percentage of blast injuries will normally be
a result of indirect effects.