CHAPTER 5 PROCESSING AND PACKAGING SHIPMENT AND DESTRUCTION TO PREVENTIVE ENEMY USE

CHAPTER 5

PROCESSING AND PACKAGING SHIPMENT AND

DESTRUCTION TO PREVENT ENEMY USE

Section I.

PROCESSING, PACKAGING AND SHIPMENT

ing case M72, and the technical manual TM

5-1. Processing and Packaging

For instructions for processing and packaging

9122022314, the officer in charge of preparing

plotting board M17, carrying case M72, and TM

shipments will be responsible for plotting board

9122022315, refer to ML-P-116.

M17 being shipped in a serviceable condition,

properly packaged, and packed, including the

5-2. Shipping Instructions

preparation of Army shipping documents.

When shipping the plotting board M17, carry-

DESTRUCTION OF MATERIEL TO PREVENT ENEMY USE

Section Il.

5-3. General

Note. These methods are generally applicable only

when the plotting board is to be destroyed in conjunction

a. Destruction of plotting board M17 when

with other equipment.

subject to capture or abandonment in the com-

(4) Disposal which requires burying in the

bat zone will be undertaken by the using arm

g r o u n d , dumping in streams, or marshes, or

only when, in the judgement of the unit com-

scattering so widely as to preclude recovery of

mander concerned, such action is necessary in

essential parts.

accordance with orders or policy established by

c. In general, destruction of essential parts

the army commander.

followed by burning will be sufficient to render

b. The information which follows is for

the material useless. However, selection of the

guidance only. Certain of the procedures out-

particular method of destruction requires imagi-

lined require the use of explosives and incendiary

nation and resourcefulness in the utilization of

grenades which normally may not be authorized

the facilities at hand under the existing condi-

items of issue to the using organization. The issue

tions. Time is usually critical.

of these and related materials and the conditions

d. If destruction to prevent enemy use is re-

under which destruction will be effected are com-

sorted to, the materiel must be so badly damaged

mand decisions in each case, according to the

that it cannot be restored to a usable condition

tactical situation. Of the several means of de-

in the combat zone either by repair or cannibali-

struction, those most generally applicable are

zation. Adequate destruction requires that all

indicated in (1) through (4) below.

parts essential to the operation of the materiel,

(1) Mechanical which requires an axe, pick

including essential spare parts, be, destroyed or

mattock, sledge, crowbar, or similar implement.

damaged beyond repair. However, when lack of

time and personnel prevent destruction of all

(2) Burning which requires gasoline, oil,

incendiary grenades, and other flammables, or a

parts, priority is given to the destruction of

those parts most difficult to replace. Equally, im-

welding or cutting torch.

portant, the same essential parts must be de-

(3) Demolition which requires suitable ex-

stroyed on all like materiel, so that the enemy

plosives or ammunition and gunfire, utilizing

cannot construct one complete unit from several

artillery, machine guns, rifles with rifle grenades,

damaged ones.

or launchers with antitank rockets. Under some

circumstances, hand grenades may be used.

e. If destruction by demolition or gunfire is

5-1