NUCLEAR REACTOR OPERATOR BADGES

(The Army no longer conducts nuclear reactor operations nor nuclear reactor training. Current Army recipients who were permanently award any of the badges may continue to wear it on the Army uniform. AR 672-5-1, dated 1 October 1990, terminated authorization to award the badge.)

I. DESCRIPTION: The badges are described as follows:

a. Basic: On a 7/8 inch square centered on two horizontal bars each 1/8 inch in width separated by a 3/32 inch square and protruding 1/8 inch from each side of the square, a disc 3/4 inch in diameter bearing the symbol of the planet Uranus all silver colored metal 7/8 inch in height overall.

b. Second Class Operator: The basic badge reduced in size placed on and partially encircled at the base by an open laurel wreath, the ends of the upper bar resting on the tips of the wreath, all of silver colored metal 1 inch in height overall. The areas between the wreath and the basic badge are pierced.

 

        c. First Class Operator: The basic badge reduced in size is placed on and entirely encircled by a closed laurel wreath all of silver colored metal 1 inch in height overall. The areas between the wreath and the basic badge are pierced.

 

        d. Shift Supervisor: The design of the Shift Supervisor Badge is the same as the First Class Operator Badge, except it is gold colored metal.

II. SYMBOLISM: The square (cube) is used to represent a nuclear reactor, the two bars representing control rods and thus alluding to nuclear reactor operations. The disc is symbolic of completeness and refers to the knowledge and training required of all nuclear reactor operators. The disc is also a symbol of the sun, the source of all energy and power. The symbol of the planet Uranus from which the term "uranium" is derived refers to nuclear energy and power. Addition of the laurel wreaths signifies further achievement and qualification. The gold color for the shift supervisor signifies the highest degree of achievement and qualification.

III. AWARD ELIGIBILITY: This badge is no longer awarded. To qualify for the basic badge, personnel must have completed a Nuclear Power Plant Operators Course established by AR 350-224 and be able to operate systems of nuclear reactors under the supervision of a certified reactor operator. The Second Class Badge required completion of 15 shifts on a specific nuclear power plant or research reactor. To qualify as a first class operator, the individual must have completed 30 shifts as a trainee first class operator and complete a written examination covering all aspects of operations. The qualifications for shift supervisor required completion of at least 80 shifts as a first class operator and 40 shifts as a trainee shift supervisor, in addition to the written examination.

IV. DATE APPROVED: The badges were approved by the Department of the Army on 18 June 1965.

V. SUBDUED BADGES: Subdued badges are authorized in metal and cloth. The metal badges are black except the Shift Supervisor Badge, which is brown enamel. The cloth badges are of an olive green base cloth with the disc and extended bars olive drab for all badges. The wreath, square, and device on disc are black for all badges except the Shift Supervisor Badge that is brown.

VI. MINIATURE BADGES: Dress miniature badges for all designs are authorized. The dress miniature badges are ¾ inch wide.

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