Deseret Test Center

U.S. military testing facility

Deseret Test Center

The Deseret Test Center was a United States military facility established to conduct chemical and biological warfare testing. It was located at Fort Douglas, Utah, and operated from 1962 until 1973. The center played a significant role during the Cold War era, focusing on the development and testing of chemical weapons and biological weapons.

History

The Deseret Test Center was established in 1962 as part of the U.S. Department of Defense's efforts to advance its chemical and biological warfare capabilities. The center was named after the Deseret region, a historical name for the area that is now Utah. The facility was strategically located to take advantage of the remote and secure environment provided by the surrounding desert and mountainous terrain.

During its operational years, the Deseret Test Center was involved in numerous testing programs, including Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense), which aimed to evaluate the vulnerability of U.S. naval ships to chemical and biological attacks. The center also conducted tests on various delivery systems for chemical and biological agents, including aerosol dispersal methods.

Operations

The Deseret Test Center's operations were highly classified, and much of the work conducted there remains shrouded in secrecy. The center was responsible for testing a wide range of chemical and biological agents, including nerve agents, blister agents, and pathogens such as anthrax and tularemia.

The testing conducted at the Deseret Test Center was part of a broader U.S. military strategy to develop effective defenses against potential chemical and biological threats. This included the development of protective equipment, detection systems, and decontamination procedures.

Closure

In 1973, the Deseret Test Center was closed as part of a broader shift in U.S. military policy away from offensive chemical and biological warfare programs. This shift was influenced by international treaties, such as the Biological Weapons Convention of 1972, which sought to prohibit the development and use of biological weapons.

Following its closure, the Deseret Test Center's facilities were repurposed for other military and civilian uses. The legacy of the center's work continues to influence modern chemical and biological defense research and development.

Legacy

The Deseret Test Center's contributions to chemical and biological warfare research have had a lasting impact on military science and technology. The knowledge gained from the center's testing programs has informed the development of modern protective measures and has contributed to the understanding of chemical and biological threats.

The center's history also serves as a reminder of the ethical and moral considerations associated with chemical and biological warfare research. The closure of the Deseret Test Center marked a significant turning point in U.S. military policy, reflecting a commitment to international arms control agreements and the reduction of weapons of mass destruction.

Related pages

• Chemical warfare
• Biological warfare
• Project SHAD
• Biological Weapons Convention