USE OF TANK AMMUNITION WITH DEPLETED URANIUM PENETRATOR WITHIN

File: 970616_dec96_decls37_0001.txt
Page: 0001
Total Pages: 4
Subject = USE OF TANK AMMUNITION WITH DEPLETED URANIUM PENETRATOR WITHIN  

Parent Organization = MCCDC       

Unit = WDID        

Folder Title = LRCC - AMMUNITION-FOREIGN SUPPORT DOCUMENTS   SWA  025   SEC 3 OF 5                             

Document Number =          2

Box ID = BX600165


    Reviewed by DON GWDP on 16-May-1997
                                   DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY  I'llclAssirilo
                               HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORIM
                                     WASHINGTON. DQ 2038"WI          IN REPLY REFER M

                                                                       CRC
                                                                08 Sep 90


          MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

          Subj: USE OF TANK AMMUNITION WITH DEPLETED URANIUM PENETRATOR
                 WITHIN THE AOR (SAUDI ARABIA)

          Ref: CG MCRDAC 06214OZ Sep 90 (SAB)

          1. Background

              a. The reference states that "the use of the subject item
          for training within the AOR is not authorized without the prior
          approval of the Host Nation and should not be fired ... without
          receiving appropriate approval via the chain of command."

              b. upon receiving the reference, MajGen Pearson phoned the
          CRC to verify the validity of the reference. His concern is
          based on MARCTNT not having 105MM training rounds available for
          boresighting which creates the need to boresight with the DU
          round before the training ammo is received.

              C. Additional concerns were raised regarding the hazard
          created from residual radiation of a spent round.

          2. Discussion

              a. Mr. George Phillips, the POC on the reference, related
          that in order for MARCENT to fire the DU round under peacetime
          conditions that approval had to be obtained through the
          operational chain of command. Additionally, Mai Knipple (sp?),
          I&L EOD SME, related that the spent rounds emit low level Alpha
          radiation which can be washed off after contact, but prolonged
          exposure could cause illness.

              b. The above information was related to BGen Sutton who
          inturn briefed MajGen Caulfield, CG MCRDAC, and LtGen Hoar.
          The guidance from those conversations was to inform I MEF FWD
          of the following:

              * MCRDAC will continue to research the appropriateness
          of the reference toward making a determination on whether to
          rescind it or not.

              * In the meantime, all efforts should be made by I MEF to
          Islay the cards on the table" to the Saudis on the DU round
          radiation characteristics.

              * Ensure that approval is obtained through the CINCCENT
          chain of command, not just the MARCENT chain of command.
              DoolaSS'flG@/MGWA&Mded-nY
              CO MCCDC IAW
              Aeatss-DeF Mi no 28M
                                     @112
                                         A,Jjl!
              D,Ate 96030<3 Slgned
                                                              UNCLASSIFIED