CHAPTER 11 DEMOLITION TO PREVENT ENEMY USE

TM 5-5430-209-12

CHAPTER 11

DEMOLITION TO PREVENT ENEMY USE

11-1. General

When capture or abandonment of the tank to an enemy

is imminent, the responsible unit commander makes the

decision either to destroy the unit or to render it

inoperative. Based on this decision, orders are issued

which cover the desired extent of destruction.

Explosives, weapons fire, and burn-ing, either alone or

in combination, are the most effective methods to

employ. Whatever method of destruction is used, it is

essential to destroy the same vital items of all tanks.

11-2. Preferred Demolition Methods

a. Demolition by Explosives. Place as many of the

following charges as the situation permits and detonate

them simultaneously with detonating cord and a suitable

detonator.

(1) 100-, 250-, and 500-barrel capacity tanks

(a) One 2-pound charge against the

base of the tank.

(b) One 2-pound charge against the

base of the manhole dome in the deck.

Figure 11-1. Placement of demoltio.n charges

(100-, 25-, and 500-brrel tanks ).

11-1