Technical and organizational aspects of protection from ionizing radiations within the defense

When the Defense is not interested in the nuclear aspects connected with energy production or basic research, it must feel compelled to follow the nuclear activities for what concerns the nuclear protection needs within the operational forces. During the years, this has caused the installation and utilization of a nuclear reactor, laboratories specialized in radiological and nuclear matters and the management and utilization of radioactive material and radiogenic machines to satisfy additional requirements. A specific structure (CISAM) has been created within the Defense for these activities; it is able both to offer a valid protection organization to the forces assigned to operate military and to operate in peace time for the safety of personnel and the protection of environment. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a quick analysis of the Defense nuclear and radioprotection needs and to illustrate CISAM's function, the technical methods adopted and some specific protection arrangements connected with radiological emergencies