Demilitarization Requirements for Donated Items

TM 750-262-6-1

(3) Method and degree of demilitarization: Tanks of

upon cutting or similarly destroying the frame and the

all types, military-type tank recovery vehicles, gun

suspension in a manner that will prevent subsequent

carriers, armored cars, and armored tracked vehicles

reassemble. Disposition relating to the M151 in the

will be demilitarized as outlined for Category VI,

usable category will be forthcoming in the transfer of

Attachment 1, Part 1, Chapter 1, DOD Manual 4160-

vehicles to Federal Agencies with mandatory safety

21-M-1. Additional demilitarization will be accomplished

clauses.

in the manner and degree prescribed by the theater

3-5. Warnings and Safety Instructions.

commander or his authorized representative, if required

a. Demilitarization by torch cutting is inherently

in overseas areas Other items listed will be referred to

hazardous. High order and low order explosions may

the procuring service for specific instructions

occur in torch cutting closed chambers such as tanks,

3-3. Demilitarization Requirements for Donated

accumulators, recoil mechanism components, hollow

rods or hollow valve stems,

even though the

Items.

components are not under pressure or have had small

a. The cost of demilitarization of tanks and tank- like

holes drilled in them

vehicles will not exceed $255.00, in addition to cost of

b. An explosive condition may result from the heat of

demilitarization for the weapons

the torch vaporizing oil, paint or components inside the

NOTE

component. In addition, gases from the cutting torch

Demilitarization of the material will be

may enter the hollow space, either adding to or creating

accomplished without changing the

a highly explosive condition

exterior appearance of the vehicle

c. In torch cutting, it must be realized that

components under spring pressure may become

b. Self-propulsion will be eliminated by:

dangerous upon sudden release of the spring-holding

(1) Draining all fuel tanks

construction

(2) Removing battery connection to vehicular

d. Safety precautions are also necessary where

electrical system

flammable materials or materials such as sodium and

c. Weld shut all doors, hatches, and similar

magnesium are involved in the torch cutting operation.

attachments over at least 50 percent of contact areas.

e. Precautions against the hazards of torch cutting

(One hatch may be left unwelded but pad- locked shut

should include isolation of the working area, a technical

until vehicle reaches display site to comply with Interstate

knowledge of the construction of the component to be

Commerce Commission (ICC) regulations. Then weld

torch cut, and remote control of the cutting operation.

hatch as prescribed.)

f If a power shear is used, adequate safety pre-

d. Weld all movable levers, handwheels, and

cautions should be taken to prevent any flying fragments

similar devices with a substantial weld to prevent

from injuring personnel A holding fixture should be

movement.

installed on the shear so that guns or other items need

e. The steering mechanism and track drive should

not be held by hand during cutting.

be left intact to facilitate towing of the vehicles

g. Lethal material, because of its design, intended

f: Tank and tank like vehicle weapons and mounts.

use, or composition, is capable of causing injury,

The cost of $75.00 per mount and gun.

death, or destruction Lethal material consists of but is

g. Demilitarization of armament and warnings is

not limited to: arms, ammunition, bombs, grenades,

described in Part 4, Attachment 1, DOD 4160.21-M-1.

explosive rockets, squibs, solid fuels, poisonous and

3-4. Disposition of M151 Vehicles.

caustic acids, whether gaseous, liquid or solid, toxic

a. Disposition of M-151 Vehicles (see fig. 8).

biological agents, spring-load devices such as recoil

Vehicles that have had the major components or parts

mechanisms and equilibrators, etc

removed where the vehicles may not be transferred or

utilized as usable units without incurring major expense

for repair or purchase of parts, may be offered for sale