Io.
1
as its purpose the constitution of authority for Air Force commands
to begin initial planning for HARDTACK, was prepared by the 4950th Test
Group (Nuclear) early in March 1957 and forwarded through channels to
Headquarters United States Air Force on 29 April 1957. 18 The nessage
stated that the tentative starting date of HARDTACK was 1 May 1958, and
that approximately 30 devices would be tested.
Also,
The United States Air Force will be the executive agent
for the test series and Air Force ,articipation will
follow the general pattern established during previous
oversecs nuclear tests, ARDC will man, train, and or~
ganize 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 provided by major USAF
-
Commands and (3) a Test Support Unit fest Services Unit/
provided by MATS. The mission and function of Task Group
7.4 and subordinate units will parallel those assigned
for Operation REDWING,
A draft of the final book message more extensive and detailed than
the preliminary book message, was prepared and forwarded in August 1957
to Special Weapons Center for submission to Headouarters United States
Air Force.
tember 1957.
The final book message had not been issued et the end of Sep—
This final message, although known to be undergoing con-
siderable revision at Headquarters United States Air Force was intended
to outline the organizational structure of Task Group 7.4 for HARDTACK
and todelineate broadly the responsibilities of Air Force “jor Com
mands in providing versonnel
:nd resources to the Commander, Task Group
Tehe
AFWL/ HQ
,
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