Operation Buster-Jangle was a series of nuclear tests conducted by the United States beginning in 1951, aimed primarily at evaluating tactics for nuclear warfare and training soldiers to operate in a radiological environment. The first of these tests involved approximately 6,500 soldiers who were exposed to atomic detonations at the Nevada Test Site, particularly in an exercise known as 'Desert Rock.' This operation marked a significant moment in military history as it demonstrated the U.S. Army's intent to incorporate nuclear capability into its tactical doctrine. The tests consisted of both air and ground detonations, significantly influencing the future of military exercises and strategy in the nuclear age.The Buster-Jangle series would ultimately include multiple nuclear detonations, the largest of which was 'Buster-Jangle Charlie,' which detonated in November. Participation of the soldiers was not voluntary; they were ordered to participate as part of their military training. The exposures were aimed at understanding the psychological and physiological effects of nuclear blasts and gathering data to inform future combat strategies that could involve nuclear weapons. The operation involved a great deal of logistical planning and was conducted under strict military protocol, with soldiers briefed on safety measures, although the long-term health implications were not fully understood at the time.The operation is often viewed within the broader context of Cold War tensions and the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. It not only reflects the U.S. government's approach to military preparedness during this period but also highlights the numerous moral and ethical questions surrounding nuclear warfare. The imagery and documentation from these tests would later be used to illustrate the power of nuclear weapons, shaping public perception and policy discussions around military engagement in a nuclear context.