Development of Guidelines for Field Storage of Ammunition and Explosives During Military Missions Out of Area
Abstract
The Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA) and Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) are frequently called upon to participate in peace-keeping and contingency missions out of area. Since safety of the troops is paramount, strict directives for field storage of ammunition and explosives have to be observed. However, the organization in charge of the operations, like the UN or NATO, prescribe for instance interior and exterior safety distances, which are often in conflict with the desired operational flexibility of the troops. Furthermore, some directives on field storage of ammunition and explosives are inconsistent and insufficient to some extent, introducing an unnecessary additional risk. Commissioned by order of the RNLA and RNLAF, TNO Prins Maurits Laboratory has started a research programme to develop consistent, more user-friendly guidelines for field storage of ammunition and explosives to be used by commanders in the field. The work is supported by the NATO AC/258 Group with the aim of complying with general safety principles as stated in the NATO publication AASTP-1. This paper presents an overview of the results of the first phase of the research programme [1], in which all major aspects involved in field storage are inventoried, existing guidelines on field storage are evaluated and the principles of future guidelines for the RNLA and RNLAF are described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA509653
Entities
People
- H. H. Kodde
- J. Weerheijm
- Ph. Van Dongen
Organizations
- Prins Maurits Laboratorium TNO