Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION - TM-43-0002-310008

TM 43-0002-31

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Section I.

GENERAL

1-5. Special Problems.

1-1. Scope. This manual is for the guidance of those

whose duty it is to render inoperable or destroy equipment

a. If time permits, select an area where destruction

which is in imminent danger of capture by an enemy. The

will obstruct enemy movement. Insure that the destruc-

instructions contained herein are in accordance with the

tion method used will not create a hazard to personnel

requirements of STANAG 2113. This manual gives pro-

from lethal chemical agents, riot control agents, in-

cedures for destroying chemical weapons and defense

capacitating agents, incendiaries, smoke, fragments, or

equipment to prevent enemy use.

ricocheting projectiles.

b. National Command Authority must be given

1-2. Reporting of Errors. You can help to improve

when destruction of lethal chemical agents is intended

this manual by calling attention to errors and by recom-

to obstruct enemy movement, since this could be inter-

mending improvements. Your letter or DA Form 2028,

preted as "first use" in violation of Geneva Convention

Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank

protocol. In all other cases, destruction of lethal chemi-

Forms, should be mailed directly to: Commander, US

cal agents will be in accordance with TM 3-250.

Army Armament Materiel Readiness Command, ATTN:

c. Select the destruction area so as to avoid re-

DRSAR-MAS-C, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

sidual effects and downwind vapor hazards in destruc-

21010. A reply will be furnished directly to you.

tion of chemical munitions. Burning incendiaries, smoke

pots, plastics, and rubber items creates a dense cloud of

1-3. Authorization: Only divisional or higher com-

smoke. If weather conditions favor the cloud remaining

manders have the authority to order destruction of

close to the ground and moving with the wind, consider

equipment. They may, however, delegate this authority

the tactical advantage or disadvantage of burning.

to subordinate commanders when the situation

d. If possible, use natural barricades, such as a hill

demands it.

or woods as protection against fragments and ricochets

(TM 3-250 and TM 9-1300-206).

1-4. Reporting Destruction. Destruction of equip-

ment will be reported through command channels.

Section ii. PRIORITIES FOR DESTRUCTION

1-8. Technical Manuals and Logbooks. Destroy

1-6. General.

technical manuals and logbooks with their related

a. Priority must always be given to the destruction

equipment.

of classified equipment and associated documents.

b. When lack of time or supplies prevents complete

destruction of equipment, priority will be given to the

1-9. Equipment Installed in Vehicles. Equipment

destruction of essential parts, and the same parts will be

installed in vehicles should be destroyed in accordance

destroyed on all like equipment.

with the priorities for the equipment itself, taking into

account the relative importance of the installed equip-

1-7. Ammunition. Destroy ammunition in accor-

ment and the vehicle itself.

dance with procedures contained in TM 750-244-5-1

and TM 9-1300-206. Dispose of chemical agents and

hazardous chemicals in accordance with TM 3-250.

1-1