Psychological consequences of military operations in low-level radiation environments.
Military operations have produced neuropsychiatric (NP) casualties throughout history. The same is true for radiation accidents. Although we have not carried out military operations in nuclear environments, related experience suggests that operations performed under low-level radiation conditions could serve to compound the factors that are known to produce NP casualties. Historically, military NP casualty rates have varied widely depending on a complex array of factors, ranging from the actual conditions of the operation and experiences of the soldiers to the perception of the conflict by both the soldiers and the people back home. History has also shown that lack of preparation contributes to NP casualties. The number and severity of NP casualties can be minimized by ensuring that the equipment, training, and leadership are in place to instill in our soldiers the confidence that they can cope with the types of threats that are part of modern-day missions.
Landauer
Michael R
MR
Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20889-5603, USA.
Young
Robert W
RW
D006801:Humans; D008891:Military Science; D011592:Psychology, Military; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release; D013315:Stress, Psychological