TM 10-8340-222-10
CHAPTER 2
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Section I. OPERATING PROCEDURES
2-1. Site Selection
Consider the following points when selecting a tent site:
a.
The ground should be level and free from
projecting roots and rocks. When such a spot is not
available, a place can often be leveled and cleared. In
woods, moss and rocks can be used to level the ground.
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 divert water
in the desired direction. Refer to
paragraph 2-15 for trenching details.
c.
The site should be protected from wind and
storm.
d.
An area with a ground cover of tough turf grass
is desirable.
e.
During hot weather, when possible, select a site
that will provide ample shade.
f.
The tent should be placed far enough from
rivers and lakes so that it will be above the highwater
mark.
g.
In woods, the location should be away from
dead trees with large dead branches.
h.
In mountainous country, the tent should not be
placed in a canyon or next to a dry creek bed. Such
places can fill up 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 and falling rocks.
i.
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.
Attempts to install the aluminum pins under winter
conditions will only result in bending and breaking the
pins.
2-2. Erecting (Pitching) Arctic Tent (10-Men)
NOTE
The arctic tent can be pitched by six
men in approximately 27 minutes.
a.
Ground Plan. Before pitching the tent, study the
ground plan carefully (fig. 2-1).
2-1
