RG 3 42 CHAPTER IX _ Location Toe OPERATION HARDTACK AND DUAL SHOTS LA, Access no WL Folder Hw OD ‘ y DF<t ATR 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 . 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 174 AFWL/HO SWEH -2-0034, \29 wot