Buildup in Laboratories and at the Site Soon after the schedule is planned, the design and construc- tion of specialized instrumentation begins in home installations, or elsewhere in educational or industrial installations, Prelimi- nary laboratory calculations and experiments, and the design of the nuclear device itself, are pushed. facilities begins. \ _ Construction of technical The final schedule of shots is proposed perhaps two months before the series, including the technical and public safety justifications for each shot, and Presidential approval obtained for _the expenditure of fissionable materials. Similar buildup progresses in many places. The Armed Forces plan their experiments, their troop training programs, the allocation of-aircraft, and support services, these activities reaching out to a multitude of service laboratories and other installations, and to private contractors. FCDA likewise has to start early on arranging for and programming its experiments and training programs. Obtaining the proper security clearance for participating personnel is itself a factor requiring a considerable lead time in scheduling. Ck The buildup of activity in Camp Mercury, and on Nevada Test Site begins months before the first shot with start of construction. As the series draws near, the construction activity decreases and the movement of military and civilian technicians and service personnel increases. Camp Desert Rock usually begins building up about two months before the series. Indian Springs Air Force Base has a somewhat later influx. The Move to Nevada At about minus one month scientists and technicians involved in early experiments move to Nevada to supervise final construction and equipment of their experiments. Final installation, wiring, and checking of instruments is supposed to be accomplished by minus two days, but may continue into the night before a shot. The formal "operational period" of the series is usually approximately two or three weeks before the first shot. As of this date, the.Jest Manager takes over responsibility for all test operations in Nevada, retaining the responsibility until a week or two after the series ends. . -15- i