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Army Nuclear Power Program

The Army Nuclear Power Program (ANPP) was a United States Department of Defense initiative established in 1954 to develop compact, portable nuclear reactors capable of providing reliable power to remote military outposts, thereby reducing logistical dependencies on diesel fuel and fossil fuel supplies in harsh or isolated environments.^[1] Headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, under the oversight of the Army Reactors Branch, the program emphasized innovative designs for light-water and advanced reactors suitable for both fixed installations and semi-mobile operations, such as arctic radar stations and polar expeditions.^[2] Over its two-decade span, ANPP constructed and operated eight small-to-medium-scale reactors across diverse global locations, marking pioneering advancements in peacetime military nuclear power generation.^[1] Key achievements included the SM-1 reactor at Fort Belvoir, which achieved criticality on April 8, 1957, and became the first U.S. nuclear power plant connected to a public utility grid, demonstrating scalable electricity production for military needs.^[1] Other notable facilities encompassed the SM-1A at Fort Greely, Alaska, for cold-weather power supply; the PM-2A at Camp Century, Greenland, a temporary station operational from 1960 to 1963 that was fully dismantled afterward; the PM-3A at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, supporting scientific operations in extreme isolation; and the floating MH-1A barge reactor on Gatun Lake, Panama, designed for potential rapid deployment.^[3]^[1] The program also trained approximately 800 nuclear power plant operators through a rigorous one-year course at Fort Belvoir, fostering expertise in reactor operation, maintenance, and safety protocols.^[1] By the early 1970s, operational priorities shifted, leading to the deactivation of all reactors: the SM-1 was decommissioned in 1973 and placed in safe storage, with the last operator training class graduating in 1977, effectively concluding the program's active phase.^[1] The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers now manages the Deactivated Nuclear Power Plant Program (DNPPP), overseeing environmental assessments, maintenance, and eventual dismantlement of remaining sites including SM-1 (projected completion by late 2025) and SM-1A (by 2029), following the full decommissioning of MH-1A in 2019, to eliminate long-term liabilities.^[4]^[5]^[6] ANPP's legacy endures in contributions to nuclear engineering, remote power technologies, and international collaborations, though it highlighted challenges in cost, mobility, and safety for military applications.^[2]

Background and Establishment

Historical Context

Following World War II, escalating Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union heightened the strategic importance of maintaining military outposts in remote and harsh environments, such as the Arctic regions and forward operating bases. These locations demanded reliable, independent sources of heat and electricity to support radar installations, communications, and defense operations, where conventional supply lines were vulnerable to disruption. The U.S. military recognized that nuclear power could provide a self-sustaining energy solution, eliminating dependence on lengthy fuel convoys and enabling sustained presence in isolated areas critical to national security.^[7] The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission's (AEC) early reactor programs in the 1940s laid foundational technological groundwork that influenced subsequent military nuclear initiatives. At Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the X-10 Graphite Reactor, activated in November 1943, became the world's first continuously operating nuclear reactor, producing plutonium and advancing fission technology essential for both weapons and power applications. This facility, part of the Manhattan Project, demonstrated the feasibility of controlled nuclear reactions and informed later designs for compact, military-grade reactors by showcasing innovations in reactor moderation and heat management.^[8] The limitations of diesel generators became acutely evident during the Korean War (1950-1953), exacerbating fuel logistics challenges in rugged terrains and extreme weather. These generators, reliant on petroleum shipments, suffered from high maintenance needs, frequent breakdowns, and supply vulnerabilities, with convoys often targeted or delayed, compromising operational readiness at forward bases. The war underscored the logistical burden of diesel fuel transport—requiring extensive infrastructure and exposing forces to supply chain risks—prompting the Army to seek nuclear alternatives for uninterrupted power in austere environments.^[7]^[9] In response, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiated feasibility studies on nuclear power for military bases in the late 1940s, evaluating the potential for small-scale reactors to address these energy gaps. These early assessments, conducted in collaboration with the AEC, explored reactor portability, safety, and deployment in remote settings, building directly on Oak Ridge's experimental successes to assess viability for defense applications. By the early 1950s, these studies had evolved into formalized efforts, setting the stage for the program's development.^[10]

Program Initiation

The Army Nuclear Power Program was formally established in 1954 as a joint effort between the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the U.S. Army to pursue military applications of nuclear energy.^[7] This initiative built directly on the organizational expertise from the Manhattan Project and precursor studies conducted by the Army in 1952, transitioning military nuclear efforts from wartime weapons production to peacetime power generation.^[11] Administration of the program fell to the Nuclear Power Division (NPD), created in 1952 within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to oversee reactor design, construction, and operations.^[12] The NPD was led by successors to Manhattan Project director Major General Leslie Groves, including figures such as Colonel James B. Lampert, who directed early efforts from 1955 to 1957 and emphasized integrating nuclear training into Corps engineering roles.^[13] This structure ensured coordination between military logistics and civilian nuclear expertise, with the Corps assuming full operational responsibility for initial prototypes by 1960.^[12] The program's core objectives centered on engineering compact, reliable nuclear reactors rated at 1-10 MW thermal output to provide electricity and heating for isolated military bases, minimizing dependence on vulnerable fossil fuel supply lines.^[12] These systems were designed for deployment in harsh environments, prioritizing mobility, safety, and simplicity to support forward operations. Initial funding came through joint AEC-Army appropriations, enabling rapid prototyping in collaboration with private firms such as Alco Products, which handled design and construction for the SM-1 stationary reactor, and Aerojet General, responsible for the mobile ML-1 prototype.^[12] By 1953, these partnerships had advanced feasibility studies, setting the stage for operational plants in the late 1950s.^[14]

Development and Technology

Reactor Designs

The Army Nuclear Power Program primarily utilized pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology as its core design, adapting proven naval submarine reactor principles to achieve land-based portability and ruggedness suitable for remote military installations. These adaptations emphasized compact cores and simplified systems to facilitate transport and rapid deployment, drawing from the U.S. Navy's experience with submarine propulsion plants developed under the Atomic Energy Commission. Reactors were developed by contractors such as the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) under AEC oversight. The PWR design involved a primary coolant loop under high pressure to prevent boiling, enabling efficient heat transfer to a secondary steam generator for electricity production, while prioritizing scalability for power outputs ranging from a few megawatts to support tactical operations.^[7]^[15] Key innovations in these reactors included the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuel, typically enriched to over 90% U-235, which allowed for smaller core sizes and higher power density essential for military mobility without compromising neutron economy. Some models incorporated natural circulation cooling, relying on thermal gradients and gravity to drive coolant flow rather than mechanical pumps, thereby reducing complexity, maintenance needs, and potential failure points in harsh environments. For instance, the portable medium-power reactors like the PM-2A eliminated pumps entirely, enhancing reliability for Arctic deployments. These features collectively addressed the program's goal of producing resilient, low-footprint power sources capable of operating autonomously for extended periods.^[3]^[16]^[17] A prominent variation was the SM-1 (Stationary Medium Power) reactor, a 10 MW thermal PWR that served as the program's prototype, featuring a single-loop configuration with stainless-steel-clad UO2 fuel plates and integrated steam generation for direct grid connection—the first such U.S. nuclear reactor in 1957. While beryllium oxide was explored in related experimental contexts for neutron reflection to improve efficiency, the SM-1 relied on standard water moderation with steel reflectors, though later variants optimized reflector materials for better flux distribution. Challenges in design included robust radiation shielding, achieved through layered lead, concrete, and water barriers to protect personnel and equipment by minimizing exposure to safe levels. Modular construction was another critical innovation, with reactor components prefabricated into sections weighing under 20 tons, enabling air transport via C-130 aircraft for assembly at forward sites, thus supporting the program's emphasis on logistical flexibility.^[18]^[19]^[20]

Construction and Deployment

The Army Nuclear Power Program emphasized modular and prefabricated reactor designs to facilitate rapid construction and deployment at remote military sites, with much of the initial fabrication occurring at the National Reactor Testing Station (now Idaho National Laboratory) in Idaho. Components such as reactor vessels and shielding were manufactured off-site and shipped for on-location assembly, enabling most plants to be completed in under two years from groundbreaking. For instance, the SM-1 prototype at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, began construction in late 1955 and achieved completion by early 1957, demonstrating the efficiency of this approach.^[4]^[19] Deployment posed significant logistical challenges, particularly for transporting heavy components to isolated locations. Reactor vessels weighing up to 100 tons or more required specialized heavy-lift methods, including ships for ocean crossings and aircraft like the C-130 for air delivery of modular parts; the total PM-2A system at Camp Century, Greenland, exceeded 330 tons but was broken down into transportable sections fitting within cargo plane dimensions. At Camp Century, these elements were assembled in underground ice tunnels amid extreme Arctic conditions, including subzero temperatures and snow drifts that complicated site access and installation.^[21]^[3] Site preparation involved rigorous engineering to ensure stability and integration with existing infrastructure. Foundations were reinforced for seismic resilience, incorporating concrete bases designed to withstand potential ground movements at military bases, while utilities were linked to local grids for power distribution. The SM-1 at Fort Belvoir, for example, was tied directly into the base's electrical system, marking the first U.S. nuclear reactor connected to a commercial grid and providing 10 megawatts of electricity to support operations.^[4]^[19] Initial budget estimates for each plant hovered around $5 million, covering design, fabrication, and basic installation, but costs frequently escalated due to the need for custom radiation shielding and unforeseen site-specific adaptations. The SM-1A at Fort Greely, Alaska, for instance, aligned with this $5 million projection but saw adjustments for Arctic environmental factors, while overall program expenses rose as complexity increased for remote deployments. The first prototype, SM-1, was fully operational by April 1957 following these processes.^[22]^[4]

Operational Plants

Stationary Plants

The stationary plants of the Army Nuclear Power Program were fixed nuclear facilities designed to deliver electricity and heating to permanent military bases, emphasizing reliability in remote or challenging environments such as Arctic regions. These plants utilized pressurized water reactor technology to generate power for base operations, including lighting, equipment, and radar systems, while also serving as training platforms for nuclear operators. The designs prioritized compact size, safety, and integration with conventional electrical grids, drawing on general principles of boiling and pressurized water reactors developed under the program.^[7] The SM-1 at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, represented the program's inaugural stationary plant and the first U.S. military nuclear reactor to produce electrical power. This 1.75 MW electrical (10 MW thermal) pressurized water reactor achieved initial criticality in April 1957 and operated until 1973, supplying power to the base and demonstrating grid connectivity to a commercial utility. It also functioned as a primary training facility, educating approximately 800 personnel in nuclear operations over its lifetime. The plant's single-loop configuration highlighted early advancements in compact, land-based nuclear systems for sustained base support.^[4]^[23]^[24] Building on the SM-1 design, the SM-1A was constructed at Fort Greely, Alaska, to address power needs in extreme subzero conditions for the military reservation and associated radar installations. This pressurized water reactor, rated at approximately 2 MW electrical (20.2 MW thermal), began operations with criticality in March 1962 and continued until 1972, providing both electricity and 72,000 pounds per hour of steam for heating. Its deployment validated nuclear power's viability in harsh Arctic settings, where conventional fuel logistics posed significant challenges, and it supported critical defense infrastructure like White Alice Communications System radar sites.^[25]^[26]^[17] Overall, these stationary plants exemplified the program's focus on self-sufficient base power, with the SM-1 and SM-1A providing representative examples of successful long-term deployment in diverse geographies.

Mobile and Floating Plants

The Army Nuclear Power Program developed mobile and floating nuclear plants to deliver reliable power to remote or temporary military installations where conventional infrastructure was impractical, emphasizing prefabricated, transportable designs for rapid deployment in harsh environments. These units, primarily pressurized water reactors (PWRs), were engineered for self-containment, including integrated shielding and minimal on-site construction needs, distinguishing them from stationary plants by prioritizing adaptability over long-term fixed operations. An experimental component was the ML-1 gas-cooled reactor prototype, a compact mobile low-power unit with 3.3 MW thermal (net electrical output of approximately 0.34 MW) tested from 1961 to 1965 to explore integrated designs suitable for field applications, including potential stationary use at remote sites like Fort Greely. This closed-cycle, nitrogen-cooled system tested innovative mobility concepts while contributing data on efficiency and heat transfer for fixed installations, achieving up to 25% thermal efficiency in trials. Although primarily a prototype for transportable systems, its findings informed optimizations in stationary plant outputs and operational reliability.^[12]^[27] The MH-1A, also known as the Sturgis, was the program's flagship floating nuclear power plant, a 45 MW thermal (MWT)/10 MW electric (MWe) single-loop PWR mounted on a converted World War II Liberty ship barge. Commissioned in 1967 after testing at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, it was towed to Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal Zone, where it operated from 1968 to 1976, generating electricity to alleviate chronic power shortages exacerbated by the Vietnam War-era demand surge at a 54% capacity factor while using low-enriched uranium fuel (4-7% U-235). The barge's mobility allowed it to moor flexibly without permanent docking infrastructure. Decommissioned in 1977 due to maintenance costs and shifting priorities, the MH-1A demonstrated the feasibility of barge-mounted nuclear generation for strategic waterways.^[27]^[28]^[29] The PM-2A represented an early portable land-based reactor, a 10 MWT/1.56 MWe PWR designed for truck-transportable prefabricated components totaling around 300 tons, enabling assembly in remote Arctic conditions. Deployed to Camp Century, Greenland, it operated from 1960 to 1963, supplying electricity and heat (1.05 GJ/hr) to the underground base and proving the concept of field-erected nuclear plants with high-enriched uranium fuel. The unit was fully dismantled and relocated in 1964, highlighting its temporary, non-permanent nature despite challenges like cold-weather logistics.^[27]^[3] Building on the PM-2A, the PM-3A was a compact 9 MWT/1.5 MWe (net) PWR adapted for extreme polar use, operational at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, from 1962 to 1972 and refueled once in 1970. It generated approximately 78 million kWh, powering the station's electricity needs and supporting a desalination plant for fresh water, though ice buildup on components led to operational inefficiencies and eventual leaks requiring enhanced maintenance. Like its predecessor, the PM-3A featured modular construction for air and sea transport, with self-contained shielding to minimize site preparation in ice-covered terrains.^[27]^[3]^[30] Overall, these plants incorporated designs limiting total weight to under 500 tons for core systems, integrated radiation shielding, and streamlined assembly processes achievable in under six months, facilitating deployment to isolated sites without extensive groundwork. High-enriched uranium fueled the PM-series for compact cores, while the MH-1A's barge platform enabled waterborne relocation, collectively validating nuclear power's role in mobile military logistics before the program's wind-down in the 1970s.^[27]^[7]

Timeline and Operations

Key Milestones

The U.S. Army Nuclear Power Program (ANPP) was formally initiated in 1954 when the Army awarded a contract to Alco Products, Inc., for the design and construction of the SM-1, a prototype pressurized water reactor intended to demonstrate nuclear power generation for military applications.^[7]^[1] This marked the beginning of the program's efforts to develop compact, reliable nuclear reactors for remote and mobile operations under the oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.^[31] A major breakthrough occurred on April 8, 1957, when the SM-1 reactor at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, achieved initial criticality, becoming the first U.S. Army nuclear power plant to generate electricity.^[1]^[31] By April 15, it produced its first electrical power and was connected to the local utility grid, predating the Shippingport Atomic Power Station and validating the Army's approach to small-scale nuclear generation for defense needs.^[7]^[31] In 1962, the program demonstrated its adaptability to extreme environments with the deployment of the PM-3A reactor to McMurdo Station in Antarctica.^[7]^[1] The PM-3A, a compact pressurized water reactor based on the SM-1 design, achieved criticality on March 4 and began supplying power to the U.S. Navy's Antarctic research operations by July 12, proving the viability of nuclear power in polar conditions where conventional fuels were logistically challenging.^[31] The feasibility of mobile nuclear power was further advanced in 1967 with the activation of the MH-1A, the world's first floating nuclear power plant, aboard the barge Sturgis.^[7]^[1] Commissioned on January 25 at Fort Belvoir, the MH-1A was towed to the Panama Canal Zone and began contributing to the grid in 1968, providing reliable electricity for canal operations and showcasing the potential for barge-mounted reactors in tropical and strategic waterway environments.^[31] By 1968, the ANPP had developed eight reactor projects (SM-1, SM-1A, PM-1, PM-2A, PM-3A, MH-1A, ML-1, and SL-1), with four operational power plants—SM-1, SM-1A, PM-3A, and MH-1A—supporting remote military installations across diverse global locations.^[7]^[1]^[31] However, escalating costs and shifting national priorities, exacerbated by budget constraints in the 1970s stemming from Vietnam War aftermath, NASA program reductions, and broader defense reallocations under the Nixon administration, began to curtail further expansion and maintenance efforts.^[13]

Decommissioning and Closure

The decommissioning phase of the Army Nuclear Power Program began in the early 1970s with the shutdown of remote installations, driven by escalating maintenance and operational costs that made continued use uneconomical compared to conventional diesel generators. The PM-3A reactor at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, was permanently shut down in September 1972 after routine inspections revealed corrosion and coolant leaks in the reactor vessel, compounded by low availability rates and high repair expenses. Similarly, the SM-1A reactor at Fort Greely, Alaska, ceased operations in 1972 due to prohibitively high operating costs, marking the beginning of a broader phaseout that extended through 1977 with the deactivation of remaining plants like the MH-1A floating barge.^[30]^[32]^[33] Decontamination efforts involved coordinated actions by U.S. Army teams and the Department of Energy (DOE) to remove radioactive components, such as spent fuel and contaminated equipment, from the sites. For instance, the PM-3A's reactor module and over 9,000 cubic meters of contaminated soil were shipped back to the United States for disposal, in compliance with the Antarctic Treaty prohibiting nuclear waste on the continent. In cases like the PM-2A at Camp Century, Greenland, highly radioactive components were transported to the Idaho National Laboratory for burial, exemplifying the program's waste management approach where hazardous materials were centralized at DOE facilities. Partial decommissioning of the SM-1A in 1973-1974 included fuel removal and initial radiological cleanup, placing the site in safe storage pending full dismantlement.^[34]^[35] The program was formally discontinued in 1976 under the Ford administration, as cheaper fossil fuel alternatives and evolving energy technologies reduced the strategic need for mobile nuclear reactors, while international non-proliferation efforts further shifted priorities away from proliferation-sensitive designs.^[7]^[33] Legacy sites continue to undergo environmental monitoring, with annual radiological surveys at locations like Fort Greely confirming radiation levels at background or acceptably low thresholds and no major leaks or contamination incidents reported since shutdown. As of 2025, decommissioning of the SM-1A at Fort Greely is underway, having begun in 2024, with full dismantlement expected by 2029; the MH-1A was fully decommissioned and dismantled by 2019.^[36]^[5]^[25]^[37]^[38]

Training and Human Factors

Operator Training

The Nuclear Power Plant Operators Course (NPPOC), established at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in 1958, served as the primary training facility for the Army Nuclear Power Program, preparing military personnel to operate nuclear reactors.^[39] Over the program's lifespan, the course trained approximately 800 operators, primarily from the Army, many of whom later contributed to both military and civilian nuclear facilities.^[1] The curriculum featured a rigorous 52-week program structured in three phases: a 16-week academic phase covering foundational subjects such as algebra, trigonometry, physics, and engineering principles; a 19-week operations phase focused on hands-on reactor management; and a 17-week specialty phase in mechanical systems, electrical systems, instrumentation, or health physics.^[31] Core topics included reactor physics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow, radiation principles, and emergency procedures to equip trainees with the knowledge needed for safe and efficient plant operation.^[40] Practical training relied on the operational SM-1 reactor at Fort Belvoir, where operators conducted drills in scram simulations, fuel handling, and control room functions to build real-world proficiency.^[24] Entry qualifications targeted enlisted personnel with high school-level proficiency in mathematics and physics, ensuring candidates possessed the analytical foundation for advanced nuclear concepts.^[24] Graduates received certifications as equipment operators, control room or reactor operators, or shift supervisors, tailored to their assigned plants.^[31] The training incorporated safety integration to align operator skills with nuclear health and operational protocols from the outset.^[7]

Safety Protocols

The Army Nuclear Power Program (ANPP), established in 1954 through a joint agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), adopted rigorous AEC safety standards to manage risks associated with small-scale nuclear reactors deployed in remote locations.^[41] These standards mandated the incorporation of redundant cooling systems, such as dual primary coolant pumps in reactors like the PM-1 and SM-1, to ensure continuous circulation and prevent overheating during normal operations or transients.^[12] Additionally, automatic shutdown systems, or scram mechanisms, were required to respond to anomalies including temperature spikes exceeding operational limits, utilizing 2-out-of-3 coincidence logic in power range channels to trigger rapid reactor trips within seconds.^[12] This framework prioritized inherent safety features and defense-in-depth principles to mitigate potential accidents in harsh environments.^[42] Incident reporting protocols under the ANPP emphasized prompt documentation and resolution of operational anomalies, resulting in an exemplary safety record with only minor events recorded and no instances of radiation release beyond site boundaries.^[7] These events typically involved equipment malfunctions or minor containment issues that were contained through built-in monitoring, such as gamma scintillators on steam generator blowdown lines in the PM-1 reactor, without escalating to public health risks.^[12] The program's adherence to AEC guidelines ensured that all incidents underwent thorough root-cause analysis and corrective actions, contributing to zero off-site radiological impacts across its operational history.^[42] Maintenance regimens were structured to uphold reactor integrity, incorporating periodic inspections—conducted at least quarterly for critical components—and fuel rod replacements aligned with core life cycles, typically every 1 to 5 years depending on load factors, as seen in the SM-1A's annual core refresh at 60% capacity.^[12] Worker safety was safeguarded through comprehensive dosimetry programs, including self-reading dosimeters and film badges, enforcing exposure limits below 5 rem per year for whole-body radiation in line with historical AEC regulations under 10 CFR Part 20.^[42] These measures applied the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, with continuous area surveys and fluid sampling to monitor radiological conditions.^[12] To prepare for potential emergencies, the ANPP implemented annual exercises simulating loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCA), focusing on response coordination, system failover, and containment integrity, in accordance with AEC safety standards.

Accomplishments and Legacy

Technical Achievements

The Army Nuclear Power Program marked a pioneering engineering success with the SM-1 reactor at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, which achieved the first non-naval connection of a U.S. nuclear power plant to an electrical grid in 1957. This 10 MWt pressurized water reactor delivered 1,750 kWe of net electrical power to the local utility, proving the feasibility of compact, land-based nuclear systems for sustained military power generation in remote or strategic locations.^[18]^[1] The program's reactors demonstrated robust performance in extreme environmental conditions, operating reliably at temperatures as low as -50°F in arctic and antarctic settings without structural or operational failures attributable to cold. Deployments such as the SM-1A at Fort Greely, Alaska, served as an inservice test facility in harsh arctic conditions, supplying steam and electricity while validating nuclear technology for cold-weather military bases. Similarly, the PM-3A at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, functioned as the only nuclear power plant on the continent, powering research operations amid subzero extremes and irregular resupply challenges.^[25]^[43]^[30] Economic efficiency was a key technical outcome, exemplified by the SM-1's generation of substantial electricity at costs far below diesel alternatives, enabling long-term savings for remote installations where fuel logistics were prohibitive. Over its operational life from 1957 to 1973, the plant underscored nuclear power's advantage in reducing dependency on fossil fuels, with levelized costs demonstrating viability for military applications.^[1]^[4] Engineering innovations from the program included advancements in compact reactor shielding and heat transfer systems. These contributions emphasized pressurized water reactor scalability, enhanced radiation protection, and efficient thermal management for transportable units.^[12]

Broader Impact

The Army Nuclear Power Program (ANPP) significantly influenced the transition of nuclear technology to the civilian sector by advancing pressurized water reactor (PWR) designs that informed early commercial applications. Innovations from the program's small-scale reactors, developed between 1954 and 1977, provided engineering principles for larger commercial PWRs, enabling utilities to adapt military-derived technologies for grid-scale electricity production and accelerating the commercialization of nuclear power during the late 1950s and early 1960s.^[27] The program's experiences also contributed to evolving U.S. nuclear policy, particularly in the 1960s debates surrounding non-proliferation and the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU). ANPP reactors, such as the SL-1 and MH-1A, utilized HEU fuel to meet military power demands in isolated locations, highlighting security risks associated with proliferation-sensitive materials in non-weapons applications. This contributed to broader U.S. policies aimed at minimizing civilian HEU use, culminating in a phase-out for most non-military purposes by the 1980s through conversion to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuels.^[44]^[45] Environmentally, the ANPP demonstrated the feasibility of low-emission nuclear power for sustained operations in harsh environments, generating electricity without significant greenhouse gas outputs over decades of service. However, the program's legacy includes challenges in waste management and site remediation, as evidenced by the need for long-term cleanup under the Deactivated Nuclear Power Plant Program (DNPPP) managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for facilities like those at Fort Belvoir. For Camp Century in Greenland, ongoing environmental concerns involve international cooperation between the U.S. and Denmark for waste assessment and remediation. These efforts underscored the complexities of handling radioactive waste from compact reactors, influencing contemporary discussions on small modular reactors (SMRs) by emphasizing the importance of integrated waste strategies and modular decommissioning to mitigate environmental liabilities. As of 2023, the DNPPP awarded a contract for SM-1A dismantlement at Fort Greely, with full decommissioning projected by 2032.^[46]^[15]^[47] As of 2025, data and operational lessons from the ANPP continue to support U.S. Army microreactor initiatives, particularly Project Pele, which aims to deploy transportable 1-5 megawatt reactors for forward operating bases and remote installations. The program's history of building and operating eight compact reactors, including five portable units, serves as a direct precedent for Pele's focus on mobile, high-temperature gas-cooled designs that enhance energy security in austere environments. This legacy informs current efforts under the subsequent Janus Program, ensuring that modern military nuclear deployments incorporate proven safety and logistical insights from mid-20th-century experiences.^[48]

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May 22, 2023 · For comparison, the construction cost of SM-1A and its prototype, SM-1 at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, was approximately $20 million each ...
[32]
The Forgotten History of Small Nuclear Reactors - IEEE Spectrum
Apr 27, 2015 · Nuclear's high costs result directly from the very high costs of building a reactor—estimated by Lazard at $5.4 million to $8.3 million for each ...
[33]
The cold sad tale of “Nukey Poo” - Energy Central
Jul 17, 2024 · Both costs and environmental impacts conspired to close the plant in September 1972.” But that's not the end of the story of Nukey Poo. The ...Missing: shutdown | Show results with:shutdown<|separator|>
[34]
The US Army tried portable nuclear power at remote bases 60 years ...
The first two nuclear submarines, the Nautilus and the Skate, visited the North Pole in 1958, just before Camp Century was built.
[35]
Army Begins Decommissioning Fort Greely's Mothballed Cold War ...
Mar 5, 2018 · “The main approach was to reduce significant fuel-transportation costs by having a nuclear reactor that could operate for long terms with just ...
[36]
U.S. Army Prime Power School - MyBaseGuide
Sep 9, 2019 · From 1958 through 1977, the school trained nuclear power plant operators and was called the USA Nuclear Power School. The yearlong training ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
[37]
[PDF] (1996-08-16) AR 50-7 Army Reactor Program.
Aug 16, 1996 · History. This is a new publication. Summary. This regulation establishes poli- cies, assigns responsibilities, and prescribes.
[38]
None
### Summary of Army Nuclear Power Program and Related Oversight
[39]
[PDF] Army Reactor Program Regulatory Bases
Apr 7, 2025 · Consistent with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, the Army Reactor Office (ARO) provides regulatory oversight of Army nuclear reactors, ...
[40]
APTIM to Decommission & Dismantle Reactor at Fort Greely
Oct 18, 2023 · The SM-1A reactor facility is the last standing nuclear reactor constructed as part of the Army Nuclear Power Program.
[41]
[PDF] Highly Enriched Uranium: Striking a Balance - Public Intelligence
HEU utilization in military reactors includes the Naval Nuclear ... The Army Nuclear Power Program developed specialized nuclear power reactors that were.Missing: debates | Show results with:debates
[42]
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), 1968
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was an agreement signed in 1968 by several of the major nuclear and non-nuclear powers that pledged their cooperation.
[43]
FUSRAP - Army Corps of Engineers
FUSRAP was initiated in 1974 to identify, investigate and, if necessary, clean up or control sites throughout the United States contaminated.
[44]
Army announces Janus Program for next-generation nuclear energy
Oct 14, 2025 · Executive Order 14299, “Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security,” directs the Department of War to commence ...