Course Descriptions
Course Description: This course is designed to provide information for persons involved in USAF nuclear weapon systems. This training includes a technical description of each nuclear weapon in the USAF inventory. High-fidelity weapon and component cutaways are used in the presentations. Current and forecasted Alterations, Modifications, changes to procedures, current Unsatisfactory Report (UR)s, and Life Extension Program (LEP)s are discussed. This training may be conducted at Sandia National Laboratories or at field locations. Topics included are: Nuclear Weapon Complex Basic Nuclear Concepts Limited Life Components Use Control/PAL Arming, Fuzing and Firing Systems B61, B83, W80, W84, Enhanced Nuclear Detonation Safety W78, W87
Course Objectives: At the end of the course, trainees will be able to: Summarize the nuclear weapons complex and organizational relationships Define basic nuclear concepts of operation Identify major nuclear weapons components and functions Describe nuclear weapon Use Control processes and PAL procedures Review current nuclear weapon stockpile issues Explain weapon Alterations, Modifications, and Life Extension programs Discuss current weapon system Unsatisfactory Reports
Prerequisites: This course is recommended for DoD, DOE/NNSA and National Lab personnel. Attendees should be involved in nuclear weapons production, logistics, or administration requiring the level of knowledge indicated in the course description. A final DOE “Q” clearance is required.
Instructors: Military Liaison staff at Sandia National Laboratories.
Scheduled dates are:
- 03 – 04 Dec 2024
- 04 – 05 Mar 2025
- 05 – 06 Aug 2025
- 02 – 03 Dec 2025
Course Description: This course is designed for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians of all services to provide sustainment training in nuclear EOD operations. For each weapon, a thorough description of the physics package as well as the classified and hazardous components is provided along with a detailed discussion of the Render Safe Procedure (RSP) and Continuation of RSP. Weapon and component cutaways are used in the presentations as well as burned or damaged components. The course is taught at both the Defense Nuclear Weapons School (DNWS) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) with additional guest lecturers from the DoD/DOE community. Topics included are: Nuclear Weapon Complex Basic Nuclear Concepts EOD Publications W80, W84 Nuclear Weapon Hazards B61, B83, W76 Arming, Fuzing and Firing Systems W78, W87, W88 Enhanced Nuclear Detonation Safety
Course Objectives: At the end of the course, trainees will be able to: Summarize the nuclear weapons complex and organizational relationships Explain basic nuclear principles of operation List hazards associated with nuclear weapons Discuss major nuclear weapons components functions Identify nuclear weapon surety issues Describe general RSP philosophy and procedures Evaluate current nuclear weapon stockpile concerns
Prerequisites: Military (E-5 and above [E-4 for AF]) and civilian equivalents (GS-7 and above), EOD qualified, and currently assigned to an EOD position. A current SECRET/RD/CNWDI security clearance is required.
Instructors: Staff at DNWS and Military Liaison staff at Sandia National Laboratories. Other lecturers from DOE and DoD.
Schedule: This 3-day course is offered five/six times each year in conjunction with DTRA. Students must register through DTRA.
Scheduled dates for the SNL portion are:
- 11 – 12 Feb 2025
- 11 – 12 Mar 2025
- 22 – 23 Apr 2025
- 29 – 30 Jul 2025
- 26 – 27 Aug 2025
Course Description: This course provides a review of the nuclear weapon complex, basic nuclear concepts, as well as weapon descriptions, current and planned Alterations, Modifications, schedules, nuclear safety themes, in-flight monitor and control, and arming, fuzing and firing common components. High fidelity weapon and component cutaways are used in the presentations. The course also includes an Aircraft Monitor and Control (AMAC) workshop. Discussions cover aircraft/weapon compatibility, aircraft controls and typical drop/launch sequences. This training may be conducted at Sandia National Laboratories or at the field location. Topics included are: Nuclear Weapon Complex Basic Nuclear Concepts Unsatisfactory Reports (UR) B61, B83, W80, W84 Arming, Fuzing and Firing Systems Use Control/PAL Enhanced Nuclear Detonation Safety AMAC Workshop
Course Objectives: At the end of the course, trainees will be able to: Summarize the nuclear weapons complex and organizational relationships Explain basic nuclear principles of operation Describe major nuclear weapons components and functions Identify nuclear weapon surety and safety issues Review nuclear weapon Use Control policy and PAL procedures Demonstrate AMAC components and procedures Discuss current weapon system Unsatisfactory Reports
Prerequisites: Attendees should be personnel directly involved in USAF DCA operations, maintenance or programs. A SECRET/RD/CNWDI clearance is required.
Instructors: Staff from the Military Liaison and Aircraft Compatibility organizations at Sandia National Laboratories.
Schedule: This 2-day course is offered once a year or as requested by the USAF.
Scheduled date:
- TBD
Course Description: This training includes Use Control decoder operations and may include information on permissive action link (PAL) switches and other equipment, as required. Equipment demonstrations and hands-on exercises with Use Control components are an integral part of this training. This training may be conducted at Sandia National Laboratories or at the field location.
Course Objectives: Describe nuclear weapon use control concepts and procedures Demonstrate hands on proficiency of use control equipment
Prerequisites: Attendees should be directly involved in nuclear weapons training, operations, logistics, or maintenance activities requiring the level of knowledge indicated in the course description. A SECRET/RD/CNWDI clearance is required.
Instructors: Military Liaison staff at Sandia National Laboratories.
Schedule: This training is offered at times and locations coordinated with the requesting organization.
Course Description: This course provides a review of nuclear weapon principles and weapon development history. The training includes thorough descriptions of the enduring stockpile weapons and provides information on projected retrofits and upgrades. High fidelity weapon and component cutaways are used in the presentations. This course is set up especially for personnel from the DOE production complex, the NNSA operations offices, and for personnel from across the nuclear weapons complex. Topics included are: Nuclear Weapons Complex Basic Nuclear Concepts Arming, Fuzing and Firing Systems Limited Life Components B61, B83, W80 W78, W87 Enhanced Nuclear Detonation Safety W76, W88 Use Control/Permissive Action Link Unsatisfactory Reports (UR)
Course Objectives: Summarize the nuclear weapons complex and organizational relationships Explain basic nuclear principles of operation Identify major nuclear weapons components and their functions Describe nuclear weapon Use Control policy and PAL procedures Evaluate current nuclear weapon stockpile issues Explain weapon Alterations, Modifications, and Life Extension programs Discuss current weapon system Unsatisfactory Reports
Prerequisites: This course is limited to DOE/NNSA and National Lab personnel only. Attendees should be involved in nuclear weapons production, logistics, or administration requiring the level of knowledge indicated in the course description. A final DOE “Q” clearance is required.
Students from the following sites must be nominated by their Training Site Coordinators:
- KCNSC: Hal Wallace
- LLNL: Barb Sherohman
- SRS: Susan Anderson
- Y-12: Kevin Ship
- LANL: Sara Pichette
- Pantex: Daniel Holcomb
- SRNL: Lane Rogers
Instructors: Military Liaison staff at Sandia National Laboratories.
Schedule: This 2-1/2 -day course is offered five times per year or as requested.
The scheduled dates are:
- 10 – 12 Dec 2024
- 25 – 27 Mar 2025
- 10 – 12 Jun 2025
- 16 – 18 Sep 2025
- 11 – 13 Nov 2025
Course Description: This course is designed to provide information for persons involved in the operations and maintenance of the US Navy nuclear weapon systems. This course includes a thorough description of each nuclear weapon in the US Navy inventory. High fidelity weapon and component cutaways are used in the presentations. Current and forecasted Alterations, Modifications, changes to procedures, Unsatisfactory Report (UR) concerns, and Life Extension Program (LEP) issues are discussed. Topics included are: Nuclear Weapons Complex Basic Nuclear Concepts Arming, Fuzing and Firing Systems Enhanced Nuclear Detonation Safety Joint Nuclear Weapons Pubs and Source Data Limited Life Components W76, W88
Course Objectives: Summarize the nuclear weapons complex and organizational relationships Define basic nuclear concepts of operation Identify major components of nuclear weapons and functions Describe nuclear weapon use control process and procedures Review current nuclear weapon stockpile issues Explain weapon Alterations, Modifications, and Life Extension programs Discuss current weapon system Unsatisfactory Reports
Prerequisites: Attendees should be involved in the administration of nuclear weapons operations, logistics, training, or maintenance activities requiring the level of knowledge indicated in the course description. A SECRET/RD/CNWDI security clearance is required.
SNL/ML Navy POC: Joe Greenberg, jgreenb@sandia.gov
Instructors: Military Liaison staff at Sandia National Laboratories and guest speakers as requested.
Schedule: This 2-day course is offered twice a year, or as requested.
The scheduled dates are:
- 25 – 26 Feb 2025
- 19 – 20 Aug 2025