Thermal Target Reference Points: An Inexpensive Approach

My company, Bravo Company, 2-64 Armor, 1st Raider Brigade, 3d Infantry Division, was preparing for a rotation at the Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC) in February 1992. During our preparation, we discussed the issue of TRPs, and we chose the standard potion of GAA and rocks, sand, etc. For a previous rotation, 2-64 battalion commander Bill T. Hutcheson had used propane powered TRPs with some success. This idea seemed promising, but I dismissed it because of the nearness of our rotation date. Then one afternoon, as I was shopping in the AAFES Sports Store, I spotted a Coleman Leisure LineLantern, #5130-700, and noticed that it was about the same diameter as a stove pipe from a “pot bellied stove.” I bought the lantern and took it to work the next day. I explained my idea of somehow inserting the lantern into the pipe to my first sergeant, SFC Gerald R. Wallace. We thought about it for along time, and then set to work on creating the “propane-powered thermal TRP.” Let me say first that we tested this TRP at Hohenfels in the spring, and at Schweinfurt in the summer and winter. I have not tested it in a desert or other environment. Again, this is merely one approach that worked for my company, and it was relatively inexpensive. Take the lantern and screw it on top of a narrow propane bottle. Remove the lantern lid, handle, and glass. Install the mantle and burn in the mantle. Now take the length of stove pipe and place the standard stack cap on top. This cap has convenient lines for staking down the TRP in high winds. Insert the lantern into the stove pipe until the bottom of the stove pipe covers the very top of the propane bottle. Mark the approximate location of the mantle with a marker on the outside of the pipe. Now remove the lantern and drill a pattern of holes through the pipe at the marked location on one side only. This pattern of holes will illuminate to provide a reference point at night for a daylight sight. Once you have everything ready to assemble, light the lantern mantle, turn the gas flow control halfway down, and insert the lantern into the open end of the pipe. Place the bottom protruding end of the propane bottle into a hole in the ground for support. Turn the side with the holes towards your position. That is all there is to it. The TRP will burn for about 8 to 15 or more hours, depending on the burner setting. The wind cannot blow it out, and it should not go out on its own. Place two of these TRPs in a vee shape at ranges in excess of 1200 meters. These TRPs can also be painted on one side, for recognition purposes. The only thing mildly fragile on this device is the burnt mantle, but they are of the bayonet slip on type, which are easy to install and replace. This TRP fits easily into M1A1 turret stowage boxes, and can be placed by loaders very quickly, during a hasty defense battle drill, or while a tank is driving the engagement area, etc. For more information, contact CPT William A. Rademacher at Delta State University, Cleveland, MS 38733, or by e-mail/internet/etc. on Compuserve at: 75342.3015@compuserve.com ARMOR — 39 Captain William A. Rademacher graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a BA in History in

1985. He is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, and CAS3. His assignments include tank platoon leader, mortar platoon leader, tank company XO, and S3 Air in 3-32 Armor, 1st Cav Division; battalion adjutant, 1-69 Armor; and commander of Bravo Company 2-64 Armor and HHC 2-64 Armor in the 1st Raider Brigade, 3ID. He is currently the Professor of Military Science at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. Thermal Target Reference Points: An Inexpensive Approach by Captain William A. Rademacher Components:

• Leisure Line Propane Lantern by Coleman(Model 5130-700) Cost: approximately $14.95 - $15.95

• (1 length of stove pipe), Heater Model M1945 Stack Pipe - CAGEC and Part No.

(Same as used on H-45 Heaters)

• (1 stack cap), CAGEC and Part No. (81337) 5-13-4442

• (1 propane cylinder) Propane-powered Thermal TRP