Deseret Test Center

Deseret Test Center was a United States Army operational command responsible for testing chemical and biological weapons during the 1960s and early 1970s. Located at Fort Douglas in Utah, the center was a key player in the U.S. military's efforts to develop and test chemical and biological warfare capabilities during the Cold War era.

History

The Deseret Test Center was established in 1962, following the consolidation of several chemical and biological warfare laboratories and testing sites across the United States. Its mission was to test the effectiveness of chemical and biological weapons, as well as defensive measures against such weapons. The center conducted numerous tests, both in laboratory settings and in field trials, often involving the release of non-lethal chemical agents and simulants to study dispersion patterns and the effectiveness of protective gear and decontamination procedures.

Operations

One of the most controversial aspects of the Deseret Test Center's operations was its involvement in Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense), a series of tests conducted to assess the vulnerability of U.S. Navy ships to chemical and biological attacks. These tests, which took place in the 1960s and early 1970s, involved the release of various chemical and biological simulants, as well as live agents, in the vicinity of naval vessels to study their penetration and the effectiveness of shipboard defensive measures.

Closure and Legacy

The Deseret Test Center was officially closed in 1973, as part of the U.S. military's scaling back of its chemical and biological weapons programs following public outcry and changing defense priorities. The closure of the center marked the end of an era in U.S. military history, as the nation moved away from the development and testing of chemical and biological weapons.

In the years following its closure, the activities of the Deseret Test Center have been the subject of scrutiny and controversy, particularly regarding the health effects on military personnel and civilians who were exposed to chemical and biological agents during its tests. Efforts have been made to declassify documents related to the center's operations and to provide medical care and compensation to those affected by its tests.

See Also

• Chemical warfare
• Biological warfare
• Project SHAD
• Fort Douglas, Utah