TM 10-8340-222-10
(5)
Pack tent carefully for shipment. Some
tents are issued complete with bag or cover. In this
case, carry tent in bag or cover. When no bag or cover
is issued, the tent is usually received wrapped in
osnaburg or burlap. Save this material for rewrapping
when the tent has to be moved again. Normally, tent
should never be transported without a covering of some
kind.
(6)
Pack pins and poles separately from the
tent itself except when tent instructions require them to
be packed with 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
lookout 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 normal condition.
b.
Protection Against Rain.
(1)
All tents are water repellent. 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)
Most 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 arresters
or draft diverters must be installed and shields placed
around stovepipe openings. 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)
Most 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, tents may be ruined by mildew in a few
days, if proper care is not taken.
(2)
To prevent mildew, follow these rules:
(a)
Never fold or roll tent when wet.
Make doubly sure that the seams and edges of the tent,
especially the bottom edge and the sod cloth, are dry.
(b)
When transporting, keep pins and
poles separate from tent, except when tent instructions
require them to be packed with the tent. In the case of
the latter, make sure the pins and poles are cleaned and
dried before being placed with the tent.
(c)
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 tentage.
3-6. Protection of Pins, Poles, and Lines Against
Damage
a.
Pins. All wooden tent pins currently issued
receive a wood-preservative treatment. 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
tentpoles 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 on 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:
(1)
Dry lines properly after exposure to
dampness. Lines are best dried when hung loosely
between two trees or other objects so that they do not
come in contact with the ground.
(2)
Keep lines clean. If lines become dirty,
they should be washed in clean water and thoroughly
dried. Grit from sand, mud, or other materials,
3-4
