The igniting explosives used in the detonation process are trinitrotoluene (TNT); composition C-2, C-3, or C-4;
FLEX-X; or tetrytol. The plastic explosives are preferred over TNT or tetrytol, because TNT and tetrytol often
produce either a low-order detonation or kickouts. Furthermore, plastic explosives (such as C-4 and FLEX-X)
allow for much better contact between the igniting explosive and the munitions to be destroyed. Antitank (AT)
mines and demolition materials are also effective igniting explosives. Table 1-1 shows examples of the quantity
of igniting explosives required. Capping procedures and explosive placement are covered in the Emergency
Destruction section of this lesson.
The storage area should be issued a demolition equipment set to perform required disposal operations. This is
listed as the electric and nonelectric explosive initiating demolition equipment set. A breakdown of set
components is given in FM 5-25, Chapter 1. For initiating devices and explosive charges used in conjunction
with the kit, refer to TM 9-1300-277, Table 4-1. For expendable accessories and equipment, refer to TM 9-1300-
277, Table 4-2. Both of these tables are included as extracts in the Appendix at the end of this subcourse booklet.
Table 1-1. Explosive weights for destruction of items by detonation.
EMERGENCY DESTRUCTION
Planning for the Emergency Destruction of Munitions
During the establishment of an ammunition storage facility, many SOPs must be written to standardize and
smooth out day-to-day operations. Emergency destruction (ED) should be covered in one of these SOPs. The ED
SOP should provide guidance for destroying all assets in the storage area. The destruction of an ASP is not
something that can be done on the spur of the moment or without prior planning.
The SOP writer is normally assigned by the company commander. The SOP format varies depending upon Major
Army Command (MACOM) guidance. A DA Form 2203-R is a good planning source document. Regardless of
the format you use, your SOP should include an assembly point for team members, should ED become necessary;
a breakdown of ED teams, missions, and responsibilities; and the types, quantities, locations, priorities, and
methods of destruction for ammunition to be destroyed. It should also cover safety considerations. Finally, the
name and position of the individual who is authorized to execute the ED action must be prominently highlighted
in the ED SOP. This is normally the division commander or a higher-echelon commander, but he or she may
delegate this authority.
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