Performance in a 12-hour, 300-rad profile

A discrete behavioral task was initiated to study the effects of a 300-rad variable dose rate exposure profile upon positively (food reward) and negatively (mild shock) reinforced groups of primates. Animals performed the task for 12 h. Performance decrements were readily apparent in 2 of 8 shock and 2 of 7 food animals, while delayed reaction times were found in 3 of 8 shock and 3 of 7 food animals. Of the 7 food animals, 4 exhibited emesis, while 1 of 8 shock animals vomited. Such information is useful to military planners who need guidelines to indicate potential aircrew nuclear vulnerability and survivability.