The Disposal of Obsolete US Weaponry: Securing and Scraping

When a military arsenal prepares to dispose of obsolete weaponry, a meticulous and secure process is implemented to ensure safety and efficiency. This article explores the methods used to dispose of outdated weapons, focusing on the practices of the United States in a secure and regulated manner.

Where Are Old Weapons Disposed Of?

The practice of selling or disposing of old weapons has been controversial, with several methods employed to ensure that the materials do not fall into the wrong hands. Some outdated weapons are sold to third-world countries or despots who might use them for destabilizing regions. However, before these weapons leave the U.S. arsenal, all classified components are removed to prevent any potential security risks.

Securing Classified Components

A crucial step in the disposal process is the removal of classified pieces. This ensures that sensitive information or technology does not end up in the wrong hands. For example, military aircraft such as the U-2 or SR-71 are given special treatment, often being buried in designated secure locations.

Old Weapon Systems and Their Fates

Most obsolete weapon systems have several possible fates:

Scrap Dealers: Many are simply sold to scrap dealers, providing much-needed resources for the recycling industry. Target Practice: Some are used for target practice, ensuring that they are no longer fit for combat. Artificial Reefs: For naval vessels, they are sometimes sunk to create artificial reefs, which provide vital new habitats for marine life. Area 51 Burials: Highly classified aircraft might be buried at secret locations like Area 51 for added security.

Decommissioning Process

Before any weapon system is sent to its final resting place, a thorough process of decommissioning is carried out. This involves disassembling or rendering the weapons systems inoperable. Many systems are first stored in secure locations before being decommissioned. For instance, a majority of old weapon systems are stored and cannibalized for spare parts, ensuring minimal waste.

Secure Storage Locations

Various storage locations are used for decommissioned systems. Naval vessels are often held in Reserve Fleets. Airieces are mainly stored at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (AFB), while other weapon systems are scattered across different locations throughout the country.

The M1 Abrams Example

Taking the M1 Abrams tank as an example, the decommissioning process is typical. Over a period of 7 years, training aids for a recovery course, these tanks received no maintenance. By the end of this period, only one tank could still operate, but with severe limitations. This process is a reflection of the comprehensive measures taken to ensure that no obsolete weapon systems are left operational and potentially dangerous.

Security Protocols

It is important to note that "weapons" and "weapon systems" are treated very differently in terms of disposal. Machine guns like the M240 and M60 are typically secured in alarmed vaults and are never left unsecured in junkyards. Similarly, smaller weapons are also secured or destroyed when they reach the end of their service life.

Demilling and Demilitarization

For weapon systems like the M109 self-propelled howitzer, M60 tank, or M1 tank, the disposal process involves demilling or demilitarization. This means removing key components such as sights and drive systems, effectively rendering the weapons unusable. The vast majority of military weapons systems are subjected to this process to ensure they are not left in a functional state.

Overall, the secure and methodical disposal of obsolete weapon systems in the U.S. involves multiple processes, ranging from the secure removal of classified components to the thorough demilitarization of weapon systems. This ensures that both safety and efficiency are maintained throughout the entire process.