ARMY TM 10-8340-211-13
AIR FORCE TO 35E51-1-01
(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 normal condition.
b.
Protection Against Rain.
(1)
All tents are water repellant. However, rain causes tent canvas and lines to shrink, the shrinkage often
becoming sufficient to tear the tent. Tents have been torn completely in two under such circumstances.
(2)
Before tent lines become water soaked, they should be loosened sufficiently so that when they shrink they
will not become tight enough to tear the tent. To compensate for shrinkage, eave and corner lines should
have a free swing of approximately 18 inches at the middle of the line.
c.
Protection Against Wind. In a strong wind, all lines should be tightened immediately, door entrances closed,
walls secured to footstop pins, and all corners closed.
d.
Protection Against Fire.
(1)
The general purpose tents are fire resistant. This does not mean that they will not burn: they usually do not
burst into flame, but smolder and char.
(2)
When using a stove in a tent, every precaution must be taken to avoid fires. Spark arrestors or draft
diverters must be installed and shields placed around stovepipe opening. All personnel should be well
trained in building and maintaining stove fires and should be familiar with all fire regulations.
(3)
Whenever possible, fire extinguishers containing water should be kept in the tent area.
e.
Protection Against Mildew.
(1)
The general purpose tents are mildew resistant. This does not mean that they are not subject to mildew.
Under warm and damp conditions, especially in tropical and jungle areas, if proper care is not taken, tents
may be ruined by mildew in a few days.
(2) Keep tent clean at all times. If tent is pitched under trees, inspect the tent roof frequently to see if it is being
harmed by drippings from branches or leaves. The growth of fungi and mold is caused to some extent by
tree drippings, oils, greases, and starches, which accumulate on tents.
3-6. Protection of Pins, Poles, and Lines Against Damage.
a.
Pins. Care should be taken in handling pins to see that they are not broken or otherwise damaged. In
determining the serviceability of pins, look for cracks, splits, distorted ends, and broken or flattened points.
b.
Poles. Care should be taken in handling tent poles to see that they are not broken or otherwise damaged. In
determining the serviceability of poles, look for cracks, splits, condition of metal joiners, and missing or bent
spindles.
c.
Lines. Lines should be inspected frequently. The stability and safety of the tent may depend upon the condition
of the various lines used. Deterioration in tent lines is of two kinds: physical and chemical. Physical damage is
caused by surface wear or from internal friction between the fibers. Chemical damage is caused by exposure to
weather conditions and acids. To prevent damage to tent lines, observe the following rules:
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