This analysis describes the application of the NATO CBRN casualty estimation methodology to nuclear and radiological weapon threats. In the planning
process, casualty estimates may influence the course of action selected, the flow of personnel into the theater, or the amount and timing of the medical
assets moved into the theater. For illustrative purposes, the situation is that a commander has asked his staff to plan an operation by a light infantry battalion
task force (LIBN). An alternative scenario is of a public event used to estimate the impact of the radiological or nuclear events on civilian populations. The
basic nuclear challenge is a 10KT ground burst, with an alternative of a 10KT low air burst. The radiological challenge is an attack with 1.11x105
terabecquerels (TBq) of the radioisotope Cesium-137 (137Cs). Alternative casualty estimates include 90Sr; 241Am, 238Pu; and fallout. The casualty estimates
varied from none to 100% of the population considered. When casualties were present, the numbers of casualties were such that they pose a considerable
if not catastrophic operational problem. Further courses of action (such as countermeasure missions, unit dispersal and nuclear protective posture) should
be considered to further mitigate nuclear or radiological weapons on the battlefield.