scope:

Purpose

a. To issue policy for the U.S. Department of the Navy's (DON) Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) Safety Program per reference (a) and supporting references (b) and (c). The program objectives are to develop, coordinate, and direct HERO efforts to ensure that the conflict between ordnance safety and use of the electromagnetic spectrum can be effectively managed in the conduct of the DON, joint-service, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) exercises and operations. To accomplish this, the HERO Program activities will include the characterization of the operational electromagnetic environment (EME), ordnance and munition system certification testing and the retention of susceptibility data, and the provision of operational guidance to mitigate HERO.

b. Changes to this instruction include updating the roles and responsibilities of those involved with HERO activities and operations, harmonization of HERO and electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) terminology, and updating the HERO certification process. This instruction is a complete revision and should be reviewed in its entirety.