TM 10-1670-287-23&P
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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.
