Eniwetok Island were not included in any programs or budgets, authority for required work was obtained with great difficulty. Therefore, a badly needed long range construction plan for Eniwetok Island was developed, coordinated with the task groups and submitted to the AEC. 31. MEDICAL AND HEALTH FACILITIES, The medical facilities in the forward area proved entirely adequate and were based on a 15-day forward area evacuation policy. The Army Task Group provided hospital facilities on Eniwetok Island. The AEC contractor provided an infirmary and aid stations on Parry Island and at various Bikini campsites. forces afloat. The Navy Task Group provided medical services to the Personnel used the closest available medical facility. COMMUNICATIONS 32. Communications during CASTLE were characterized by a necessity for relia- bility, flexibility and ability to speedily handle a large volume of messages of a high degree of security. 33. Communfeations security was given major emphasis, Task force personnel ‘were thoroughly indoctrinated in the necessity for commmications security and radio circuits were closely monitored. Security was found to be unusually good but in some instances military communications security regulations (i.e., JANAP 121, 122, AFSAG 1248) unnecessarily hampered operations. Operation CASTLE was recognized as an atomic test - not a tactical military operation - and normal military communications practices were modified where necessary to fit test requirements and expedite operations. Variations and conflicts between communica- tions regulations and practices of the AEC and the DOD created serious operational difficulties, Strenuous efforts were made to provide secure facilities for the rapid exchange of elassified information and these greatly accelerated operations. Much automatic on-line cryptographic equipment was employed to handle the unusually large amount of classified messages. It operated very satisfactorily with speed and accuracy and required a relatively small number of operators for the heavy volume of traffic. 34. Radioteletype circuits formed the main communications system. They connected the Pacific Proving Grounds with the AEC and scientific installations through Los Alamos, New Mexico; with worldwide Army and Navy communications -14- ON ase