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CHAPTER
IX
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Location Toe
OPERATION HARDTACK AND DUAL SHOTS
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Like previous operations, planning for HARDTACK began
‘in advance of the operation,
3
It was marked by the many and monumental
last-minute changes and the test series was notable for deficiencies in
both sampling pilots and aircraft.
Officials also faced the problem of
obtaining a sufficient number of commissioned observers,
As early as June 1955, Headquarters, Air Force Special Weapons Center,
received notification of HARDTACK, the location was undetermined, and
9
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the probable number of detonations would be 10,
Field Command, Armed
Forces Special Weapons Project, warned that the informationwas "very
-
preliminary and will probably change considerably before final program
is established,"
As early.as 3 December 1956, actions forecasting sampling difficulties
were taken when General Perry B, Griffith, Joint Task Force SEVEN, wrote:
The current concept being envisaged for. Operation HARDTACK
contemplates the probable firing of two shots on the same
day on some occasions, and perhaps in a few instances, at
the same time, However, while some additional aircraft
will be required, it is realized that a complete dual
sampling capability probably cannot be supported, nor is
it justified, Therefore, in order to have an adequate
number of sampling aircraft available on dual shot day,
attempts will be made to have one of the scheduled shots
a low yield detonation requiring relatively limited
participation so far as sampling aircraft is concerned,
Later in the month, Gaelen L, Felt, Commander, Task Group 7.1, advised
Rear Admiral B, Hall Hanlon, Commander, Joint Task Force SEVEN, of the
sampling requirements,
“A significant assumption made by both labora~-
tories is that there will be a general indorsement of the indicated
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