TM 10-8340-205-13&P
4.16 PROTECTION OF TENT AGAINST DAMAGE .
a. General. Damage is often caused by carelessness, such as forgetting to loosen the lines when it
starts to rain, adjusting lines carelessly, driving pins in a slipshod manner, or dragging tents over
rough ground. To prolong the life and usefulness of tentage, observe the following:
(1) Pitch, strike, and fold the tent as shown In paragraph 2.7. Do not try to take shortcuts unless you
are sure no damage will result. To protect the top of the tent during handling and in storage, fold
the tent so that the side walls rather than the top of the tent will be exposed.
(2) Observe the utmost care when pitching and striking the tent, making sure the material does not
tear on protruding pins, over-hanging branches, or other objects
(3) Never drag tent along the ground or floor
(4) Use all the necessary parts and accessories for the tent and use them for their intended purpose.
(5) Pack tent carefully for shipment. The tent is issued complete with cover. Carry tent in cover.
(6) Pack pins and poles separately from the tent.
(7) Inspect tentage at frequent intervals to make sure that it is in serviceable condition. Particular
attention should be given to seams, bindings, lines, and all places where strain is exerted. Be
constantly on the lockout for:
(a). Any evidence of mildew.
(b). Any foreign matter which may have collected on the tent.
(c). Small rips and holes, splitting of seams, grommets which have become loose, lines which
are beginning to rot, or anything else which does not appear to be in a normal condition.
(8) Withdraw from storage any tent found to be infected with mildew. Brush with a stiff brush, allow to
thoroughly dry, and issue Immediately to units where dry atmospheric conditions prevail. If there is
no opportunity for immediate issue, segregate infected tent from sound tents to prevent
contamination. Tents which have become unserviceable and cannot be repaired at the unit level of
maintenance, shall be evacuated to direct support maintenance for repair and return to the user. If
items are uneconomically repairable in accordance with TB 43-0002-27, they should be salvaged.
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