Physics (P) Division -- Is organizationally responsible for the area of nuclear-characteristics. . Chemistry and Metallurgical (C-M-R) Division -- Performs research on the exotic materials used in arrangements for producing a nuclear explosion, develops processes for fabrication of these materials and for their adequate purification, and carries out pilot plant operations on a production scale adequate to insure continual improvement in process know-how, . Weapons Research (W) Division -- Is responsible for advance design phases in the area of mechanics and dynamics of methods of initiating the nuclear energy release. Weapons Physics(GMX) Division -- Is concerned with high speed assembly problems as to methods of initiating the nuclear energy release and, in the field of explosives, with physical, chemical, and metallurgical characteristics. Weapons Test (J) Division -- Is responsible for nuclear and chemical measurements in tests of actual weapons, and also has many other responsibilities in the planning and technical conduct of full-scale field tests. Crossing the Division lines are project types of operation, the committees and boards which take on the major programs of LASL. The Technical Board establishes the program to be recommended to SFOO, continuously reviews the program, and establishes commit- tees and boards required to carry the program forward. take up individual phases of a program, , In addition, teams or committees There are various inter-laboratory and inter-organization committees and boards. For instance, the joint LASL-Sandia Corporation TX-G committees coordinate weapon development programs and exercise nominal executive authority subject to concurrence by laboratory managements, in directing the weapon development work. There are other LASL-Sandia working committees to coordinate detailed design and testing. LASL is re- presented on the Special Weapons Development Board at Sandia, along with Sandia Labo- ratory and FC-AFSWP personnel. LASL represents AEC development on two gun com- mittees, which include the military ordnance corps concerned and FC-AFSWP. 12. SANDIA LABORATORY'S DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OPERATIONS Sandia Laboratory carries for SFO the responsibilities for the non-nuclear ordnance phases of nuclear weapons. Its functions as of mid-1953 included: studies of the feasibility of new weapons and components; studies of weapons effects; the development, testing, and evaluation of weapons; the training of military teams; exchange of information with the Armed Forces and other agencies; and quality assurance and surveillance of stockpile weapons. Research and Development ‘ ALGO During the three-year period, research and developmentactivities increased in em- phasis with the introduction of new strategic and tactical weapons, and the development of missile warhead installations. 1,976 between 1950 and 1953. Employees assigned to this work increased from 605 to 23