Florida scouts earned Nuclear Science Merit Badges at AFTAC event

Eighty-nine scouts from across Florida gathered at Patrick Space Force Base on Sept. 19 to earn their Nuclear Science Merit Badge during an educational event hosted by the Air Force Technical Applications Center.The program introduces scouts to the fundamentals of nuclear science, including atomic structure, subatomic particles, radiation, and nuclear energy, as well as practical applications in medicine, industry, research, and power production.AFTAC, which operates as a nuclear treaty monitoring center, first began hosting scouts for the badge program in 2012. Attendance has grown from a few dozen local participants in its early years to nearly 100 scouts at recent events.To earn the merit badge, scouts must complete and explain eight required subject areas: radiation, basic nuclear science, modern particle physics, classic experiments, radiation safety, nuclear energy, research and current uses and careers in nuclear science.During the event, scouts completed hands-on activities inc