The Army Radiation Safety Program encompasses both ionizing and nonionizing radiation sources.
Ionizing radiation sources include radioactive materials and machine produced radiation, e.g., x-ray sources. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) radioactive material licenses or Army Radiation Authorizations (ARAs) govern the Army ionizing sources. The ultimate goal of the Army Radiation Safety Program is to keep radiation exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) to Soldiers, Civilians, Contractors, the general public, and the environment.
Nonionizing radiation safety includes lasers, radiofrequency (RF), microwave, and other electromagnetic radiation producing devices that are covered under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Laser systems that are military exempt or class 3B or 4 must have an Army laser safety program for use and safety. Electromagnetic radiation producing devices that can exceed the Maximum Permissible Exposure limits as per DODI 6055.11 must have an Army RF safety program in place.