Inside The Cold War Plan To Use Postal Trucks To Pick Up Nuclear Attack Victims
The Cold War was a period of heightened tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, during which both countries developed extensive plans for how to respond to a potential nuclear attack. One such plan, known as the PEANUTS program, involved using postal trucks to pick up survivors of a nuclear attack and transport them to safety.
The PEANUTS Program
The PEANUTS program was developed in the early 1960s as a joint effort between the U.S. Postal Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The goal of the program was to utilize the Postal Service’s extensive network of vehicles and personnel to provide aid to survivors in the aftermath of a nuclear attack.
Under the PEANUTS program, postal trucks would be outfitted with radiation detectors and other emergency equipment to help identify and assist survivors. Postal workers would receive training on how to respond to a nuclear attack, including how to decontaminate survivors and provide basic medical care.
Implementation
While the PEANUTS program was never actually put into action, it was a key part of the government’s overall strategy for responding to a nuclear attack. In the event of a nuclear war, postal workers would have been among the first responders, working alongside police, firefighters, and other emergency personnel to provide aid to survivors.
The idea of using postal trucks to pick up nuclear attack victims may seem unusual, but it was a practical solution given the Postal Service’s widespread presence across the country. Postal workers are trained to deliver mail in all types of conditions, making them well-suited to handle the challenges of a post-nuclear attack environment.
Conclusion
While the PEANUTS program may seem like a relic of the Cold War era, it serves as a reminder of the lengths to which the government was willing to go to protect its citizens in the event of a nuclear attack. Though the program was never needed, it stands as a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of those who worked to ensure the safety and security of the American people.
FAQs
What was the PEANUTS program?
The PEANUTS program was a Cold War-era plan to use postal trucks to pick up survivors of a nuclear attack and transport them to safety.
Was the PEANUTS program ever implemented?
No, the PEANUTS program was never actually put into action. It was a contingency plan developed in case of a nuclear war.
Why were postal trucks chosen for this role?
Postal trucks were chosen for their widespread presence across the country and the training of postal workers in delivering mail in all types of conditions.
