"Transporting and Safeguarding Special Nuclear Material"
* Introduction
Since 1947, Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessor agencies have moved nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons components, and special nuclear materials (SNM) by a variety of commercial and Government transportation modes.
In the late '60's, worldwide terrorism and acts of violence prompted a review of procedures for safeguarding these materials. As a result, a comprehensive new series of regulations and equipment was developed to enhance the safety and security of these materials in transit. The Transportation Safeguards Division (TSD) subsequently was established in 1975, at the DOE, Albuquerque Operations Office (AL).
TSD modified and redesigned transport equipment to incorporate features that more effectively enhance self protection and deny unauthorized access to the materials. It was during that time, TSD curtailed the use of commercial transportation systems and moved to a total Federal operation.
* TSD Management
Management, control, and direction of TSD is centralized at AL Headquarters. The Federal Officers who drive the transportation vehicles, as well as the escorts, are Nuclear Materials Couriers or Couriers for short. There are three courier operations centers located at Amarillo, Texas; Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Approximately 100 shippers and receivers of SNM and other sensitive materials are served at locations throughout the continental United States.
* Transportation Safety
Since its establishment in 1975, TSD has accumulated over 70 million miles of over-the-road experience transporting DOE owned cargo with no accidents causing a fatality or release of radioactive material. This is due largely to the TSD philosophy that safety and security are of equal and paramount importance in the accomplishment of DOE's transportation safeguards mission.
* Security Communication
SECOM, which is an acronym for Security Communications, is a nationwide communications system operated by the TSD and located in Albuquerque. This system provides a capability to monitor the status, location and maintain real-time communications 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with every convoy. The control center maintains an emergency contact directory of federal, state, and local response organizations located throughout the contiguous United States. This capability is available to TSD 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
* Transportation Vehicles
The Safe Secure Trailer (SST) is a specially designed part of an 18-wheel rig which incorporates various deterrents to prevent unauthorized removal of cargo. The trailer has been designed to afford the cargo protection against damage in the event of an accident. This is accomplished through superior structural characteristics and a highly reliable cargo tie-down system similar to that used aboard aircraft.
The tractors are standard production units which have been modified to provide the couriers protection against attack. Other vehicles which make up the convoy may include Ford Vans and/or Chevrolet Suburbans. The thermal characteristics of the SST would allow the trailer to be totally engulfed in a fire without incurring damage to the cargo. These tractors and escort vehicles are equipped with communications, electronic, radiological monitoring, and other equipment which further enhance en route safety and security.
The vehicles utilized by TSD must meet maintenance standards significantly more stringent than those for similar commercial transport equipment. All vehicles undergo an extensive maintenance check prior to every trip, as well as periodic preventative maintenance inspections. In addition, these vehicles are replaced more frequently than commercial shippers. As a result, TSD experiences few en route breakdowns and has had no accidents due to equipment malfunction.
* Travel Precautions
TSD makes every effort to ensure its convoys do not travel during periods of inclement weather. Should the convoys encounter adverse weather, provisions exist for the convoys to seek secure shelter at previously identified facilities.
Although TSD provides sleeper berths in all vehicles, couriers accompanying TSD shipments do not exceed 32 hours of continuous travel without being afforded the opportunity for eight hours of uninterrupted, stationary bed rest.
The TSD has also imposed a maximum 55 mile-per-hour speed limit on its convoys, even if the posted limit is greater.
* Law Enforcement Liaison
TSD has a liaison program through which it communicates with law enforcement and public safety agencies throughout the country, making them aware of these shipments. TSD has established procedures should a safe secure trailer be stopped by an officer.
The liaison program provides law enforcement officers information to assist them in recognizing one of these vehicles should it be involved in an accident, and what actions to take in conjunction with the actions of the couriers in the rig and escort vehicles. Through the liaison program TSD offers in-depth briefings at the state level. If you would be interested in a briefing or have any other questions concerning TSD's operations, contact Pete Armstrong at (505) 845-5214.
* Armed Couriers
Armed Nuclear Materials Couriers accompany each shipment containing special nuclear material They also drive the highway tractors and escort vehicles while operating the communications and other convoy equipment.
Couriers are non-uniformed federal officers and are authorized by the Atomic Energy Act to make arrests and carry firearms in the performance of their duties. They carry both a photo identification card and a shield which certify their Federal status. Couriers are required to obey all traffic laws and will cooperate fully with law enforcement officers.
After careful screening and selection, courier trainees undergo a 12-week basic training course, during which they receive instruction in tractor-trailer driving, electronic and communications systems operation, and firearms. Tests in operating procedures, physical fitness, driving, firearms, and other job-related subjects must be passed in order to pass the training and be certified as a courier. Following basic training, the courier spends the balance of the first year in on-the-job training. The first year of employment is probationary, which the courier must successfully complete to be retained.
Couriers are given in-service training throughout their careers. These classes are designed to refresh and update the training taught during basic training, in addition to preparing couriers for demonstrations or armed attacks. Subjects such as team tactics, terrorist tactics, and new adversary technology are taught addition, physical and firearm proficiency is tested.
Couriers must continue to meet periodic qualification requirements relative to firearms, physical fitness and driving proficiency. They must also undergo and pass an annual medical examination for continued certification under the DOE Personnel Assurance Program. In addition, couriers are subject to the DOE's randomized drug and alcohol testing program.
If a courier fails to meet any of the minimum requirements necessary for courier certification, the individual is temporarily removed from active status and provided additional training until demonstrated performance reaches an acceptable level.