ARMY TM 10-8340-211-13
AIR FORCE TO 35E5-1-101
b.
The ground should be high enough for good drainage.
NOTE
Drainage can be improved by trenching around the tent and digging an outlet ditch to direct water in the
desired direction.
c.
The site should be protected from wind and storm.
d.
An area with a ground cover of tough turf grass is desirable.
e.
The tent should be placed far enough from rivers and lakes so that it will be above the high-water mark
f.
During hot weather, when possible, select a site that will provide ample shade.
g.
In woods, the location should be away from dead trees.
h.
In mountainous country, the tent should not be placed in a canyon or next to a dry creek bed. Such places can
fill with rushing torrents in a short time. The tent should not be placed at the base of a cliff or steep
mountainside, where there may be danger from avalanches or falling rocks.
i.
On snow-covered ground, prod surface with an ice or ski pole to see whether snow conceals any crevices. ft
may be impossible to find an area entirely without crevices, but by knowing where they are it is possible to avoid
accidents. Pack snow hard by stamping on its with skis or snowshoes, or shovel top snow off until firm snow is
found below.
j.
Discretion should be exercised when installing tent pins in winter climatic conditions where the temperature falls
below freezing. In areas where winter conditions prevail the use of the 12 inch steel tent pins (NSN 8340-00-823-
7451) is required rather than the 9 inch aluminum pins furnished with erection kits. Attempt to install the
aluminum pins under winter conditions will only result in bending and breaking the pins.
4-8. Pitching Tents In Snow.
a.
Pitch tent so that entrance is not directly downwind. If the tent is pitched on snow with the entrance directly
downwind, the entrance may become blocked, since snow tends to pile up in the lee of any object.
b.
Site is not temporary, dig tent into snow. This will provide better protection from the wind. In open terrain with a
strong wind it may be necessary to build a snow wall on the windward side of the tent to protect it from the wind;
thus the tent is easier to heat and is less likely to blow down. Leave some space between sides of tent and snow
wall to have room to shovel out snow that may drift into tent.
c.
When a tent is pitched on a slope, a horizontal platform should be formed. The snow which is removed may be
packed around the outer edge of the platform to widen the space for the tent.
d.
High winds, common in cold weather regions, require that tents be anchored securely. Tent pins may not provide
sufficient anchorage. General purpose small tents have snow cloths sewed along the bottom edge of tent walls.
When the small tent is set up, snow cloths should be flat on the ground outside the tent. Place snow, snow or ice
blocks, stones, logs, or other heavy objects on the cloths to help anchor the tent.
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