37
stages of the existence of the 4950th Test Group (Nuclear).
In December
1956, personnel shortages in the 495l1st reached serious proportions:
no
replacements had been received for those personnel who returned in Novemter on normal rotation to the Zone of Interior.
The problem was brought
to the attention of the Center Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel.”
Center, in turn, informed Air Research and Development Command that re~
quisitions submitted to Air Research and Development apparently had not
been filled.
In February 1957, manning in the 4951st degenerated to an extremely
critical point,
Of a total authorization for 148 airmen, over 60 positions
were vacant and the 4951st had no information on projected gains which
would indicate a favorable change in the situation,
Therefore, a detailed
report of this circumstance was forwarded to Special Weapons Center on
1l February 1957, listing those requisitiona for which no action had been
taken and requesting that the procurement system be evaluated to determine
its practicability and suitability for personnel requisitioning,
The Cen-
ter Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, while not declaring a-need for a4
new requisitioning system, again queried Air Research and Development Com
mand regarding the status of all unfilled requisitions.
During the period 22 March to 5 April 1957, representatives of the
4950th and of the Special Weapons Center visited Eniwetok to inspect as-—
pects of 4951st operation,
Colonel William B, Kieffer and Lieutenant
ar
AE WL/ HQ
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