MEIR Course
MEDICAL EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATION COURSE
The Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation (MEIR) Course is post-graduate level instruction concerning the biomedical consequences of radiation exposure, how the effects can be reduced, and how to medically manage casualties. The training includes nuclear incidents that can occur on or off the battlefield and that go beyond nuclear weapons events. It covers thoroughly all four of the key subjects: health physics, biological effects of radiation, medical/health effects, and psychological effects.
Course length and location—The on-site course is a 3-day event taught throughout the year at major U.S. military bases throughout the United States and abroad.
Who should participate—The in-person MEIR Course provides valuable information for military medical personnel, including physicians, nurses, medical planners, and first responders.
Course content—The postgraduate-level course addresses the following topics:
- Fundamentals of ionizing radiation
- Ionizing radiation interactions with cells and organs
- Diagnosis and treatment of acute radiation syndrome and combined injuries
- Psychological effects of radiation exposure
- Internal radiation contamination
- Radiological defense
- Radioprotection
- Hazards of ionizing radiation
- Radiation pathology
- Human exposure resulting from radiation accidents
- Consequences of nuclear weapons detonation
- Nuclear accident response by government organizations
SCHEDULE
FY 2023
- United States Air Force Academy, CO 6-8 June 2023
- Tinker AFB, OK 13-15 June 2023
- Ramstein AB, Germany 20-22 June 2023
- Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ 11-13 July 2023
- Malmstrom AFB, Montana (AFGSC), 22-24 August 2023
- Fort Eustis, VA 29-31 August 2023
FY2024
- Hurlburt Field, FL 3-5 October 2023
- McConnell AFB, KS 17-19 October 2023
- Patrick SFB, FL 24-26 October 2023
- Joint Base Andrews, MD 31 October-2 November 2023
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 28-30 November 2023
- Greenville, SC (415th CBRN BDE) 5-7 December 2023
- Fort Wainwright, AK 12-14 December 2023
- Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 9-11 January 2024
REGISTRATION
Click on a link below to register. The links are to Google Forms, which may not be accessible from a government computer. Registration can easily be accomplished from a personal computer or phone.
Please note that the MEIR courses taught at Defense Nuclear Weapons School (DNWS) are 5 day courses which include additional operational training and a field exercise. Registration for these courses is completed through the DNWS website https://dnws.dtra.mil. If you experience any issues with registration for a DNWS course, please contact the registrar at dtra.kirtland.ne.mbx.dnws-registrar@mail.mil.
COURSE HOST REQUEST
General Information
The MEIR course is taught by a Mobile Training Team (MTT) of three instructors over a period of 3 days.
Courses are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. The MEIR course is a training requirement for many DoD units. Requesting installations/units agree to allow non-tenant personnel (HRF, CERFP, CST, etc.) to attend the course. Exceptions may be made by the MEIR Director in special circumstances. Due to timing constraints, we can only support 5 CERFP courses per fiscal year.
Requirements
An MTT may be scheduled at installations/units that meet the following conditions:
25 student minimum for CONUS course. 30 student minimum for OCONUS course
Reserve/National Guard units or other units that fund the MTT's travel are not subject to the attendance minimum.
Suitable teaching area with writing space for students(classroom, theater, lecture hall, etc.)
Audio/Video capability in the teaching area
Designated host facility Point of Contact (POC) for further coordination
Request made at least two months in advance
Funding
Active Duty Installations/Units—The MEIR course is funded by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs when hosted by active duty military installations/units. DoD military personnel, DoD civilians, National Guard personnel and allied military personnel are authorized to take the course free of charge. Civilians and contractors, may also attend for free, but only if there are open seats after all others have been seated.
National Guard Installations/Units—When the MEIR course is hosted by National Guard installations/units or the primary audience will be National Guard personnel, the hosting installation/unit must fund the MTT's travel. The host site has the option to restrict which students may attend or allow all qualified personnel to attend. The student minimum criterion does not apply in this case.
Other Installations/Agencies—Federal and state government agencies may request the MEIR course, but will be responsible for all course-related expenses. Please contact the MEIR Director for additional information.
Request to Host a MEIR Course
Please send an email to meir_mail-ggg@usuhs.edu to request a MEIR course.
Host Request FAQ
Are you able to teach the MEIR Course at OCONUS facilities?
Yes. Please contact the MEIR Director for further information at meir_mail-ggg@usuhs.edu.
Can the length of the MEIR Course be changed?
Only under special circumstances will the course be adjusted to installation/unit requests. Please contact the MEIR Director for additional details.
How can I request funding from AFRRI for student travel?
AFRRI does not fund travel for students. Students must seek funding for travel costs from their chain of command.
How far in advance do I need to submit my request to host the MEIR Course?
Please submit your requests at least two months before the start date of your anticipated class. Course dates are reserved on a first-come/first-serve basis. It is highly recommended to request the course sooner rather than later.
How much does the MEIR Course cost to host?
Free for active duty units. CONUS $3,500–$5,000; OCONUS $9,000–$15,000 for National Guard and reserve units. Precise estimates are provided on a case-by-case basis.
My installation/unit/agency is within the NCR, but I only anticipate 15 interested personnel. May I still request the course?
Yes. The student minimum is waived because there is no travel cost associated with hosting the course.
What exactly is needed for the teaching space and A/V capability?
The course utilizes PowerPoint and the teaching space needs to have an area that PowerPoint can be projected onto a screen for the entire class to view. Some lectures have audio requirements that necessitate speakers. Larger venues (theaters, auditoriums, etc.) may require microphones for the instructors.