DESTRUCTION OF ARMY MATERIAL TO PREVENT ENEMY USE

TM 10-1670-287-23&P 0001 00 0001 00-2 DESTRUCTION OF ARMY MATERIAL TO PREVENT ENEMY USE GENERAL INFORMATION: Objective. Methods of destruction used to inflict damage on air delivery equipment should make it impossible to restore equipment to a usable condition in a combat zone by either repair or cannibalization. Authority. Destruction of air delivery equipment that is in imminent danger of capture by an enemy is a command decision that must be made by a battalion or higher commander or the equivalent. Implementation plan. All units that possess air delivery equipment should have a plan for the implementation of destruction procedures. Training. All personnel who use or perform such functions as rigging, packing, maintenance, or storage of air delivery equipment should receive thorough training on air delivery equipment destruction procedures and methods. The destruction methods demonstrated during training should be simulated. Upon completion of training, all applicable personnel should be thoroughly familiar with air delivery equipment destruction methods and be capable or performing destruction without immediate reference to any publication. SPECIFIC METHODS: Specific methods of destroying Army material to prevent enemy use shall be by mechanical means, fire, or by use of natural surroundings. Destruction by Mechanical Means. Air delivery equipment metal assemblies, parts, and packing aids shall be destroyed using hammers, bolt cutters, files, hacksaws, drills, screwdrivers, crowbars, or other similar devices to smash, break, bend, or cut. WARNING Exercise extreme care when using petroleum products to destroy equipment by fire, as these materials are highly flammable. Improper handling may cause injury to personnel. Destruction by Fire. Items that can be destroyed by fire shall be burned. The destruction of equipment by use of fire is an effective method of destroying low melting point metal items. However, mechanical destruction should be completed first, whenever possible, before initiating destruction by fire. When items to be destroyed are made of metal, textile materials (or some comparable low combustible material) they should be packed under and around the item, then soaked with a flammable petroleum product and ignited. Proper concentration of equipment that is suitable for burning will provide a hotter and more destructive fire. Destruction by Use of Natural Surroundings. Small vital parts of assemblies that are easily accessible may be disposed of as follows. Disposal or denial of equipment to an enemy may be accomplished through use of natural surroundings. Accessible vital parts of assemblies may be removed and scattered through dense foliage, buried in dirt or sand, or thrown into a lake, stream, or other body of water. Total submersion of equipment in a body of water will provide water damage as well as concealment. Salt water will inflict extensive damage to air delivery equipment. Other Methods of Destruction. Oxygen system equipment will be destroyed as prescribed in TM 750- 244-1-2.