TM 10-1670-327-23&P
0001 00
DESTRUCTION OF ARMY MATERIEL 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 of performing destruction without immediate reference to
any publication.
SPECIFIC METHODS
Specific methods of destroying Army materiel 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 used 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 and effective method of destroying low-melting-point metal items (e.g., side rails, threaded
portions of nuts and bolts, and platforms). 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) should be packed under and around the
items, 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.
0001 00-2
