A PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY OF TROOP REACTIONS TO AN ATOMIC EXPLOSION
Abstract
Questionaires and polygraph test administered to paratroops dur ing the progress of the Desert Rock exercise indicated that the troopers' factual information about AW, especially that concerning self-protection, increased sharply following their indoctrination, and remained essentially the same during the exercise. Anticipation of the maneuver and practical experience were believed to aid in the retention. The participants' self-confidence in their ability to sustain both conventional and atomic combat showed a marked increase. Confidence in the experts' ability to control the A-bomb also increased. However, troops' estimates of the combat readiness of their outfit showed a marked decrease 18 days after the maneuver. The nonparticipants also showed some increase in self-confidence. The indoctrination reduced anxiety expressed about the A-bomb effects and participation in the maneuver, although absolute anxiety about A-bomb effects persisted at a high level. Marked underestimates of the bomb blast and flash range increased after the explosion. Reports of worry about participation in the maneuver were more frequent 18 days after the explosion than after 6 hr. The better-informed troops were the better educated, more self- confident, and least anxious. Self-confidence was also correlated with rank, length of service, and favorable military attitudes. A disproportionate number of men who experienced certain physiological disturbances on the day or the maneuver were found among the lower-educated troops.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1953
- Accession Number
- AD0006092
Entities
People
- John L. Finan
- Peter A. Bordes
Organizations
- George Washington University