TM 55-1680-317-23&P
1-9. COMPONENTS DESCRIPTIONS
Kit Components (Typical)
a.
The components listed in repair parts, Appendix C for each kit/vest are the mandatory minimum and shall be
included in the kit/vests. Unit commanders may authorize additional items to be included in kits/vests as space
allows.
WARNING
Additional items placed in survival kits/vests must not create an undue hazard,
impair crewmembers in flight duties, or replace mandatory items.
b.
Certain signaling devices are of primary importance to a downed crewman during search and rescue operations. In
addition, certain other items are considered essential in a survival situation. These are mandatory and will be so
noted in listing of items for each type kit. EACH INDIVIDUAL OR AIRCREW MEMBER ASSOCIATED WITH
THESE COMPONENTS SHALL BE COMPLETELY INSTRUCTED IN THE USE AND OPERATION OF THIS
EQUIPMENT TO OBTAIN MAXIMUM BENEFIT.
c.
Water, drinking, canned or flex-pack, is intended for use in emergencies when no clean water is available. Each
can contains 10 ounces of water and each flex-pack packet contains .125 mL of water which will support the
immediate need of a survivor. Flex-pack pack water may be substituted directly for canned water at a ration of
2:1.
d.
Bag, water storage, is a plastic bag used for storage of up to 5 quarts of fresh water. The bag comes complete with
a buckle strap fastener, and carrying strap for easy attachment to personnel or equipment.
e.
Blankets, combat casualty, are used to provide aircrew with warmth and protection against the elements and as a
signaling aid for rescue purposes. The blankets consist of two types. Type I heavyweight is 84 inches long by 56
inches wide. Type II, lightweight is 96 inches long by 56 inches wide. One blanket is olive drab/silver, the other is
orange/silver and made of aluminized plastic.
f.
Dye marker, is used to attract rescue craft. The dye is exhausted in 20 to 30 minutes and has a fluorescent green
color, which ceases to be a good target after an hour. The dye marker is contained within a yellow, vinyl resin
coated cloth pouch with an attaching tape.
g.
Knife, pocket, is a general purpose survival tool which has many uses. The knife is constructed of stainless steel
and consists of one blade, can opener, bottle opener, screwdriver, and leather punch blade.
h.
Knife, survival, has a five inch steel blade, one side of the blade is honed while the other side is serrated. The
knife sheath is constructed of leather with a pocket to carry the sharpening stone. There is a metal tip on the
sheath to protect from injury.
i.
Light, distress marker, type SDU-5/E emits a high intensity flashing light, visible for great distances and used to aid
in rescue operations. A flash guard is used during combat.
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