We was soon apparent that maintaining the EPG in a twelve month
readiness status would be difficult and expensive.
F/
With avallable
funds and personnel the twelve month readiness status would shortly
begin to slip and it would continue to slip at an accelerating rate
as time went on.
Another study was ordered and as a result the
RETO Study (Reappraisal of Requirements for the Eniwetok Proving
Ground and the Readiness Status and Functions of JTF-7) was
forthcoming.
This study recommended that the EPG be placed ina
carétaker status and that JTF-7 be reduced to a planning
division within the DASA organization or be disestablished.
About this time the Pacific Missile Range indicated an interest
In the EPG as a tracking station and impact area.
After some
negotiations it was decided to release the Proving Ground to the
PMR with the provision that on request it would be returned, and
that nothing should be done to impair the capability of the EPG
for weapons testing.
Present status points out that "in accordance with the RETO study,
JTF-7 became an Integral part of DASA."
InOnena
Mar. of 1961, JTF-7 published a draft manual entitled, "Operations and
Reactivation Manual" and with the number JTF-7M61-1.
This manual lays out for
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orientation and guidance the history and setup of the Joint Task Force with the
specifics tasks relegated to the various staff organizations such as J-1 and J-2
and the specific details envisioned for reactivating the Joint Task Force when it
becomes necessary.