Nuclear threats no longer come solely from intercontinental ballistic missiles but also from non-state actors and rogue states, making the ability to trace nuclear materials and hold perpetrators accountable a critical component of national security. Enter nuclear forensics, the scientific discipline focused on identifying nuclear materials and their origins. 

One prominent example of a unit with this capability is the U.S. National Technical Nuclear Forensics Ground Collection Task Force (NTNF-GCTF), a specialized interagency unit responsible for collecting and transporting radioactive debris for forensic analysis. Relatedly, a prominent event shedding light on the world of nuclear forensics is a recurring interagency exercise designed to ensure that the U.S. remains at the forefront of the field–Prominent Hunt.

This article provides an overview of the nuclear forensics world and two of its key components: the NTNF-GCTF and Prominent Hunt. 

Images Sourced From: DVIDS

Photo from DVIDS [source]1 Background1.1 What is Nuclear Forensics?

Nuclear forensics involves the analysis of nuclear and radioactive materials* to determine their origin and history, playing a pivotal role in attributing responsibility for nuclear incidents. By examining isotopic compositions, chemical signatures, and physical characteristics, experts can trace materials back to their source, aiding in the identification of perpetrators. This capability is crucial for deterring nuclear terrorism and covert state-sponsored attacks, as it assures that any malicious use of nuclear materials can be traced and addressed appropriately. [source]

*Malicious actors can use radioactive materials to create Radiological Dispersal Devices. While not as powerful as a true nuclear weapon, they are easier to make and remain a key concern for counterterrorism and counterproliferation authorities.

1.2 Historical Background: The Evolution of Nuclear Forensics

The discipline of nuclear forensics gained prominence in the early 1990s. This followed several incidents of nuclear material smuggling after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Recognizing the need for a coordinated response, the U.S. established the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in 2000. The NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. It protects the nation by designing and delivering a safe, secure, reliable, and effective nuclear stockpile. It also supports global security through nonproliferation, counterproliferation, and emergency response. Additionally, the NNSA provides nuclear propulsion for the U.S. Navy and develops advanced technologies to address emerging security challenges.

On 1 October 2006, the National Technical Nuclear Forensics Center (NTNFC) was established within the Department of Homeland Security’s Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. Since then, the NTNFC has served as the U.S. Government’s central coordinator for nuclear forensics policy and direction. It has advanced technical capabilities and led the National Nuclear Forensics Expertise Development Program.

In addition, the National Technical Nuclear Forensics (NTNF) program brings together multiple federal agencies. These include the Departments of State and Defense, the FBI, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. By working together, these agencies ensure a comprehensive and unified approach to nuclear forensic analysis and attribution. [source, source, source, source, source]

*Smuggling of nuclear material is a valid and continuing concern. In January of this year, a Japanese organized crime member pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to smuggling weapons-grade plutonium, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. [source]

2 Prominent Hunt and the Role of the Task Force 

Prominent Hunt is led by the FBI and includes the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). It is a series of exercises constituting a critical component of validating and enhancing the United States’ nuclear forensics capabilities. The exercises simulate scenarios involving the detonation of improvised nuclear devices. They allow interagency teams to practice the federal response—from initial notification and deployment to sample collection and laboratory analysis. These exercises take place regularly, about every six months. This ensures that the NTNF-GCTF stays proficient and that interagency coordination remains effective. The consistent practice ensures readiness to respond to nuclear incidents with precision and coordination. 

The Ground Collection Task Force is essential to this mission. In the aftermath of a nuclear detonation, the task force collects radioactive debris, which is then analyzed in Department of Defense (DOD) laboratories. Their work produces forensic results that, when combined with intelligence inputs, provide a near-definitive assessment of the nuclear material’s origin.

For instance, Prominent Hunt 12 was conducted from 26 to 31 July 2012 at Jefferson Proving Grounds in Madison, Indiana. It tested the Ground Collections Task Force’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to a simulated nuclear detonation. Similarly, Prominent Hunt 13-3, held from 11 to 15 August 2013, introduced advanced technologies. These included the Aerial Radiation Detection and Identification Measurement System, which helped identify the best locations for collecting nuclear debris. This improved the overall efficiency of the forensic collection process. [source, source, source]

Photo from DVIDS [source]3.1 First Prominent Hunt of 2025 3.1.1. Purpose and Participants

Prominent Hunt exercises not only validate technical capabilities but also reinforce collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies. The most recent Prominent Hunt was held 26-31 January 2025 in Schenectady, New York, and the surrounding counties of Albany and Saratoga. It tested the ability of federal agencies to collect and analyse nuclear debris in the aftermath of a simulated detonation. The goal was to provide decisive evidence for policymakers and deter adversaries by proving that nuclear anonymity is a myth. Participants included the FBI, DOD, NNSA, the Army’s 20th CBRNE Command, and the Air Force Technical Applications Center. The successful exercise demonstrated the team’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to a nuclear detonation scenario, providing crucial forensic evidence for presidential decision-making. 

Exercise Prominent Hunt in Schenectady, New York Jan 27 – 31. [source]

3.1.2. Demonstrating U.S. Capabilities

Experts such as Wendin Smith, NNSA Associate Administrator and Deputy Undersecretary for Counterterrorism and Counterproliferation, highlighted the importance of Prominent Hunt. She emphasized that the exercise helps deny anonymity to potential perpetrators and strengthens nuclear deterrence. It sends a clear message to adversaries—whether state sponsors or terrorist groups—that the U.S. can trace the origin of nuclear material used in an attack.

Timothy Jacomb-Hood, Senior Scientific Advisor for the Office of Nuclear Matters, explained the focus of nuclear forensics in these scenarios. He noted that the goal is to identify the source of materials used in attacks where attribution is more difficult. This is especially important in cases involving improvised nuclear devices. Ground collection is informed by modeling debris dispersion from the detonation and local weather conditions. The Air Force Technical Applications Center helps guide the 20th CBRNE collectors to optimal locations for sampling.

Following Prominent Hunt 2025, an after-action review is scheduled to assess performance and improve future responses. Looking ahead, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) will take on a larger role in planning future exercises. This shift will allow the Office of Nuclear Matters to concentrate more on oversight and strategic guidance. The change ensures that the NTNF-GCTF stays highly efficient and ready to carry out its mission with precision under real-world conditions. [source, source, source, source, source, source, source]

4.0 Future

As nuclear threats evolve—from state-sponsored actions to terrorist organizations—the role of nuclear forensics will become even more vital. The continued refinement of forensic capabilities through regular exercises, technological innovation, and strong interagency coordination ensures that the U.S. remains ready to respond to nuclear events with precision and certainty.

In August 2025, the next Prominent Hunt exercise will take place, continuing to sharpen the nation’s ability to detect, analyze, and respond to nuclear threats. With each iteration, the message to potential adversaries becomes clearer: You will be found, and you will be held accountable.