IX extension of the dual capability concept, A dual capability which considers the firing of two large shots, instead of the REDWING capability of one large and one small, is an important corollary to any plan we may develop to make effective use of the Eniwetok site." Thus, the argument effectively altered the "big-shot-small-shot" plan suggested by General Griffith.? On 27 April 1957, the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, registered official "go-ahead" for HARDTACK: The Atomic Energy Commission and the Department of Defense are planning for Operation HARDTACK, 1958 overseas weapon test, scheduled for Eniwetok Proving Ground. The tentative starting date is 1 May 1958, Approximately 30 devices will be tested during Operation HARDTACK, The United States Air Force will - be the executive agent for the test series and Air Force participation will follow the general pattern established during previous overseas nuclear tests, ARDC (Air Research and Development Command) will man, train, and organize Air Task Group 7.4. The Air Task Group will consist of three units, (1) a Test Base Unit provided by ARDC, (2) a Test Aircraft Unit organized by ARDC but composed of elements provided by major USAF commands and Department of Defense agencies operating aircraft, and (3) a Test Support Unit provided by MATS (Military Air Transport Service), The mission and function of Task Group 7.) and subordinate units will parallel those assigned for Operation REDWING. Reference should be made to Task Group 7.) REDWING planning directive, Task Group 7.4 Operations order 1-56, and the Final Report of the Commander, Task Group 7. for Operation REDWING, This message constitutes authority for initial planning for Cperation HARDTACK by concermed USAF commands and units, Detailed instructions covering this operation will be furnfshéd on or about 1 July 1957. Then on 11 October 1957, the Chief of Staff, notified Task Group 7.h, and the Air Force Special Weapons Center that, "The Chief of Staff, as Executive Agency has issued the necessary directive to Commander, Joint Task Force SEVEN for conducting the operation, (HARDTACK). \ FW 175 To support SWEH -2-003) a4