Three days before the Secretary of State visits China, the Chinese conduct a series of five underground nuclear tests sending a strong message to the world that they are indeed a nuclear power.

Within minutes of the explosions, seismic analysis on the floor of Air Force Technical Applications Center's 24-hour Operations Center detected, located and attributed the explosions to the Chinese. Yield estimates range from 110 to 125 kilotons.

The Secretary of State is briefed to prepare her for discussions with Chinese officials on the Chinese government signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty banning all use and testing of nuclear weapons.

This is a classic example of the type of information AFTAC, one of AIA's administratively supported units, can provide any Air Force Battlelab for use by senior leadership to make decisions on doctrine, force mix and structure.

AFTAC's mission is to enhance national security, collect and exploit worldwide technical measurements and deliver timely, accurate information to national authorities and warfighters, teaming to monitor treaties.

AFTAC is on the leading edge of research, development and evaluation of verification technologies for current and future treaties involving nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs threatening our national security.

AFTAC is also a leader in developing technology for use by the warfighter.

One example is the Remote Intrusion Monitoring System. RIMS is an operational, unattended sensor system that supports military and peacekeeping operations; its current focus is remote airstrips, military equipment storage areas, containment areas, roads and foot paths. RIMS is the type of system AFTAC can offer and have direct application to the Air Expeditionary Force and Force Protect Battlelabs.

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