© 2006/2007
J.S. Ketchum
J.S. Ketchum
Enlisted men from 18-35 years of age were recruited from each of the six Army areas in rotation, selecting 40 or more every two months. Criteria included good physical and mental health, normal MMPI, lack of disciplinary problems or problems with drugs and alcohol, plus other items from a detailed personal history form completed at their home installations. For every man accepted, there were typically 4-5 applicants.
The soldiers were housed in a separate barracks near the test facility. After thorough medical examination, lab tests and psychiatric interview they were assigned a category (confidential) from A-D. “A” subjects were considered most fit for participation in higher dose tests with classified agents, “B” for low doses, “C” only for familiar drugs approved by the FDA for clinical use and “D” for equipment or basic physiological testing only. In addition to the initial consent form on arrival, separate consents were required for each individual test. They could withdraw at any time without adverse consequences.
Men received $1.50 a day, weekend passes, light duties and a letter of commendation at the end of their 2-month tour. They were all checked again medically before discharge and completed feedback forms describing how they felt about their experience.
The soldiers were housed in a separate barracks near the test facility. After thorough medical examination, lab tests and psychiatric interview they were assigned a category (confidential) from A-D. “A” subjects were considered most fit for participation in higher dose tests with classified agents, “B” for low doses, “C” only for familiar drugs approved by the FDA for clinical use and “D” for equipment or basic physiological testing only. In addition to the initial consent form on arrival, separate consents were required for each individual test. They could withdraw at any time without adverse consequences.
Men received $1.50 a day, weekend passes, light duties and a letter of commendation at the end of their 2-month tour. They were all checked again medically before discharge and completed feedback forms describing how they felt about their experience.
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This volunteer has his pupil size checked using an enlarged image on a video screen. Such measurements were made at intervals during each drug test.
Map problems were realistic tasks that helped provide an estimate of the volunteer's ability to carry out military tasks while under the influence of a chemical agent.
Establishing reliable performance baselines was important when tests were given repeatedly. This group received the "Head Award" for putting up with a week of practice runs.
Time estimation ability was one of the standard measures used to track mental abilities during the course of drug action. Men estimated 5-second intervals 25 times for a total score.
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Documenting a Lost Decade of Clinical Research
Listen to an audio from Dr. James Ketchum on "How the volunteer program with LSD started."
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Chemical Warfare Secrets Almost Forgotten
The Volunteers
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