Qualification Badges
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Nuclear Reactor Operator Badges


Basic: On a 7/8 inch (2.22 cm) square centered on two horizontal bars each 1/8 inch (.32 cm) in width separated by a 3/32 inch (.24 cm) square and protruding 1/8 inch (.32 cm) from each side of the square, a disc 3/4 inch (1.91 cm) in diameter bearing the symbol of the planet Uranus all silver colored metal 7/8 inch (2.22 cm) in height overall.


Second Class Operator
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Second Class Operator
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 (2.54 cm) in height overall. The areas between the wreath and the basic badge are pierced.

First Class Operator
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First Class Operator
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 (2.54 cm) in height overall. The areas between the wreath and the basic badge are pierced.

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

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.

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.

Date Approved

The badges were approved by the Department of the Army on 18 June 1965.

Date Rescinded

Effective 1 October 1990 the Nuclear Reactor Operator badges are no longer awarded. The Army no longer conducts nuclear reactor operations or nuclear reactor operator training. Accordingly, the badges will no longer be awarded, Soldiers who were permanently awarded any degree of the badge may continue to wear it on the Army uniform.

Subdued Badge

Subdued badges are authorized in metal. The badges are in a flat black metal finish except the Shift Supervisor Badge, which is in a flat brown metal finish.

Miniature Badges

Dress miniature badges for all designs are authorized. The dress miniature badges are 3/4 inch (1.91 cm) in width.





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