TM 55-1680-317-23&P
2-2. RECEIPT OF PREVIOUS ISSUE ITEM - Continued
NOTE
Unserviceable containers of canned water shall be punctured and the contents
emptied to prevent any possible further use of the canned water.
b. Service Life. Survival kits and most survival kit components do not have a prescribed service life, except for the
following:
(1) The service life of smoke and illumination signals is indefinite. The period of serviceability of these type
signal devices will only be ascertained by an inspection of individual items to determine the condition and
potential of each device.
(2)
The survival vest distress signals have a service life the same as the smoke and illumination flares.
(3) For service life of carbon dioxide cylinders used with one man life raft assemblies, refer to TM 5-4220-202-
14, or T.O. 14S-1-102, as indicated by the date marked on the neck of the cylinder, below the inflation valve
assembly.
(4) Batteries used with the various types of survival receiver-transmitters have a service life which is computed
from the date of manufacture stamped on each battery. Refer to the appropriate radio set manual for battery
shelf/service life.
(5) The service life of the first aid kit medical items will be ascertained by checking each item for an expiration
date. The ALSE person performing the inspection should check DOD MEDCAT and AR 702-18.
(6) Food Packets. Shelf life 5 years, service 3 years. Neither shall be exceeded, i. e. , packet has 2 year shelf
life left, it can be put into service for only two years. This time is not extendable.
(7) Emergency drinking water has a shelf life of 5 years, which is computed from the date of manufacture
stamped on each packet.
With an indeliable marker write "DOI-" for date of installation and due date (MM/YR) if known. If the DOI is
not known mark the container date "UNK", i.e., DOI UNK. Under the DOI entry mark the expiration date as
"EXP 12/88". This will ensure prompt identification of a time change item and it replacement.
Section II. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS AND SERVICES (PMCS)
2-3. GENERAL
Each survival kit must be inspected at prescribed intervals to ascertain the serviceability of the kit and kit components.
All discrepancies or defects discovered during the applicable inspection, the corrective action taken, the inspection
accomplishment, and the next inspection due date, will be recorded as prescribed in DA PAM 738-751.
NOTE
Survival kits which are installed in the OV-1 aircraft ejection seat should be inspected
during the same period in which the ejection seat is scheduled for inspection to preclude
unnecessary kit removal and installation/action.
2-2 Chamge 9
