The Radiological/Nuclear WMD Incident Exercise Site (T-1) in Area 1 of the NTS is like no other training ground in the United States.

Four atmospheric nuclear tower tests occurred at this location of the NTS: EASY, on May 7, 1952; SIMON, on April 25, 1953; APPLE-2, on May 5, 1955; and GALILEO, on September 2, 1957. These tests left what are now low amounts of radioactive material in the surrounding soil, providing a realistic and safe training area today. First responders prepare for radiological or nuclear WMD incidents, such as Improvised Nuclear Devices (INDs), Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs or “dirty bombs”), and Radiation Exposure Devices (REDs). Other first responder training providers must simulate the radiological threat; at T-1, the soil emits elevated levels of radiation, yet poses minimal risk to trainees. Additional sealed radioactive sources can also be placed in exercise areas to create higher levels of radiation, based upon the training scenarios.

The T-1 exercise site covers more than 10 acres with 12 separate training areas that include various staged radiological/nuclear WMD scenarios. First responders training at T-1 encounter an RDD car bomb in a downtown area with damaged cars, busses, and buildings; an RDD truck bomb at an airport with a Boeing 737 airliner lying in pieces; an RDD at a train station with a derailed train; and other WMD scenarios at industrial, commercial, transportation, and residential sites. The entire T-1 exercise site can also be utilized as different parts of one city attacked by an IND. After formal classroom training, responders training at the T-1 exercise site are given hands-on experience working in real radiation fields while performing tasks using radiation survey meters and dosimeters.