Disposal Areas. Normally, an area unusable for
other purposes is chosen for an ammunition disposal
area. The disposal site should beat least 800 yards from
the nearest ammunition storage site and any inhabited
area of the base. The site should be cleared of all
vegetation. A powder burning area, detonation pits, and
a component popping pit should be included in the site.
Provide a splinterproof or other suitable shelter to
protect personnel during demolition operations. Where
facilities are available, ammunition may be
destroyed by dumping at sea. Existing directives
should be consulted for disposal procedures.
Pier Areas. In the initial stages of construction of
an ammunition storage area at an advanced base, an
isolated and separate ammunition pier should be
provided. Such a facility eliminates congestion, delay,
and unnecessary hazards when loading and unloading
general cargo, fuels, and ammunition.
Enemy Ammunition Areas. A separate area
should be provided for storing captured enemy
ammunition. This area should be at least 800 yards
from the other storage areas.
Administration and Personnel Areas.
Administration and personnel areas must be at least 800
yards from the ammunition storage and handling areas.
Ammunition Storage Facilities
Ammunition is stored at advanced bases in
approved magazines, existing buildings, and in dry
caves and tunnels. Ammunition may also be stored in
the open, in quarries, pits, and similar areas. Don’t put
ammunition in caves, tunnels, quarries, or pits if there
isn’t adequate drainage. When possible, assign
available magazines and buildings for storing the more
fragile and perishable ammunition, such as
pyrotechnics, ammunition containing smokeless
powder, fuzes, and similar components. Store the
more durable ammunition, such as aircraft bombs and
depth charges, in the open, provided it affords
maximum protection against corrosion and
deterioration.
PREFABRICATED MAGAZINES.— Advanced
base magazines (fig. 12-3) are prefabricated,
earth-covered, arch-type structures that are used to
provide weatherproof storage for ammunition of all
types.
The barrel of each advanced base magazine is an
arch made of sheets of corrugated sheet metal bolted
together to form a semicircular-arch roof. Two
screened, sheet metal ventilators are mounted on top of
the arch, one at the front of the magazine and one at the
rear. The rear wall is constructed of corrugated sheet
metal. The front wall is constructed of wide,
heavy-gauge metal plates, which are reinforced with
angles and channels. The front wall extends above and
to each side of the outer limits of the magazine,
providing a retaining wall for the earth fill. The ends of
the plates that extend beyond the limits of the magazine
Figur-e 12-3.—Typical advanced base magazine.
12-13
