Due to elevated radiation exposure rates in the Three Mile Island (TMI) Unit 2 reactor building (RB) in the summer of 1982 (2 yr after the first entry), two conclusions were abundantly clear: (a) Planned activities within the RB would entail an excessive expenditure of person-rem, which is not consistent with the concept of as low as reasonably achievable, and (b) planned activities could not be accomplished by the existing work force at TMI without exceeding quarterly and annual dose limits. Based on the need to limit person-rem exposure and the constraint of financial resources, a comprehensive dose reduction program was in order. Such a dose reduction program would require various stages beginning with those actions that could be quickly implemented. Those initial actions would be followed by near-term activities that could be implemented via technical planning data and equipment acquisition. After those activities were accomplished, dose rates would be reduced and new sources would be identified. Dose reduction is a continuing activity that must be addressed throughout the decontamination and recovery process. The task force developed a three-step approach toward dose reduction. Results of the dose reduction program are presented in chronological order and compared to predictions.