Section 7 EO M190.07 – ERECT, TEAR DOWN AND PACK TENTS

ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS
PROFICIENCY LEVEL ONE
INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE
 
SECTION 7
EO M190.07 – ERECT, TEAR DOWN AND PACK TENTS
Total Time:
120 min
PREPARATION
PRE-LESSON INSTRUCTIONS

Resources needed for the delivery of this lesson are listed in the lesson specification located in A-CR-CCP-801/PG-001, Proficiency Level One Qualification Standard and Plan, Chapter 4. Specific uses for said resources are identified throughout the instructional guide within the TP for which they are required.

Review the lesson content and become familiar with the material prior to delivering the lesson.

Additional instructors are required for this lesson to ensure TP1 is covered in the time allotted.

PRE-LESSON ASSIGNMENT

Nil.

APPROACH

A demonstration and performance was chosen for TP 1 as it allows the instructor to explain and demonstrate erecting, tearing down and packing a modular tent while providing an opportunity for the cadets to practice these skills under supervision.

A demonstration was chosen for TPs 2–3 as it allows the instructor to demonstrate the skills while providing the cadets with knowledge on erecting, tearing down and packing tents.

INTRODUCTION
REVIEW

Nil.

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson the cadet shall have to erected, tore down and packed a two-section modular tent with walls.

IMPORTANCE

It is important for the cadets to be able to erect a modular tent because they are often used during survival exercises. A cadets' understanding of the erecting, tearing down and packing of tents allows them to better assist in the set-up of an aircrew survival exercise site.

Teaching point 1
Explain, demonstrate and have the cadets, as a member of a group, erect, tear down and pack a two-section modular tent with walls.
Time: 60 min
Method: Demonstration and Performance

For this skill lesson, it is recommended that the instruction take the following format:

(1)

Divide the flight into two groups.

(2)

Explain and demonstrate each step in erecting, tearing down and packing a modular tent.

(3)

After demonstrating each step have the cadets perform the skill while monitoring their performance.

Note: Two instructors are required for this TP.

If the modular tent is going to remain erected for the duration of the exercise instruct tearing down and packing at the end of the exercise.

COMPONENTS OF A MODULAR TENT

A module of tent is comprised of a canvas section supported by tubular aluminum framework. It measures 2.5 m long by 5.5 m wide. The frame of a modular tent consists of two arch frames and three purlins (the horizontal beams along the length of the roof that support the canvas). The arch frame is hinged at the peak and the eaves. When folded the arch measures 2.75 m long. The purlins are 2.5 m long and connect two arches; one purlin at the peak and two more at each eave. They are locked into place without the use of tools. The framework is anchored with steel pegs which are inserted at the base of each arch and can be diagonally cross braced with cables or straps, between the eaves and base of the arches, to give an unobstructed inside space and an outside perimeter clear of guy wires. Guy wires are only used when the tent requires further reinforcement.

Figure 1 Figure 1  Frame
Note. Created by Director Cdts 3, 2007, Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.
Figure 1  Frame
TENT SECTIONS

The three tent sections are: centre sections, front walls and rear walls. The tent sections attach to one another by means of a series of cord loops and grommets known as “Dutch lacing”. The cord loops are on the opposite side of the grommets requiring all sections to be placed in the same direction. For example, all the cord loops on the right. Tent sections are made of olive green, core-spun, polyester-cotton, rip-stop woven material treated to be water-, rot- and flame-resistant. The sod cloth which extends 40 cm from the foot of each tent section is made from plastic-coated, waterproof material. The windows are screened and have blackout flaps and transparent vinyl panels which are attached with fastener tape (Velcro).

Centre section. This is the canvas roof and side wall covering of a module. It has a window in each side and a chimney opening in the roof.

Figure 2 Figure 2  Centre Section
Note. From Operational Support and Maintenance Manual for Tent, Main (p. 1-5), by DND Canada, 1983, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1983 by DND Canada.
Figure 2  Centre Section

Front wall. Attaches with grommets and opens with two zippered personnel doors. The front wall includes one window and a closable air vent.

Figure 3 Figure 3  Front Wall
Note. From Operational Support and Maintenance Manual for Tent, Main (p. 1-5), by DND Canada, 1983, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1983 by DND Canada.
Figure 3  Front Wall

Rear wall. Attaches with cord loops and opens in the centre. The opening reaches the peak of the module and is fastened with toggles, allowing access for large equipment. The rear wall includes two windows.

Figure 4 Figure 4  Rear Wall
Note. From Operational Support and Maintenance Manual for Tent, Main (p. 1-5), by DND Canada, 1983, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1983 by DND Canada.
Figure 4  Rear Wall
ACCESSORIES

Liners. The three common tent sections—centre section, front wall and rear wall—each have corresponding white fabric liners. These provide insulation as well as a light reflective surface, and are made from flame resistant material. The liners are suspended from inside the frame and are laced together similar to the tent sections.

Blackout hallway. Black fabric enclosure, 2.5 m long, attached inside the tent and laced to a grommet by the doorway, to prevent the entranceway from emitting light.

Lacing band. Provides the cord loops, to tie the two tent sections together when the module lacing sequence is disrupted because two grommet ends meet. It is 8.5 m long and 15 cm wide. A strap and a hooked shock cord are at each end to secure it to the frame and keep the band taut against the canvas.

Guy wires. Lines of cord that assist in securing the tent to the ground. Available for situations where the footings cannot be anchored in the ground or where the tent is subject to extreme windy conditions.

Bag tent. This is a flat canvas wrap specifically designed for containing tent sections. It includes a pocket to hold pertinent hardware.

Tools. A mallet, shovel and occasionally a stepladder. Tools are not included.

Explain tent maintenance and site selection to the cadets, but do not demonstrate or have the cadets perform.

TENT MAINTENANCE

The following precautionary measures, when followed, protect the tent components from corrosion, mildew, rot and unnecessary damage and work to prolong the life and usefulness of the tentage:

Avoid folding or packing tent or liner sections when wet. Wet or damp tentage shall be unfolded and air dried within 48 hours.

Protect tent and liner sections from petroleum and chemical stains. If soiling occurs, clean immediately with warm soapy water.

Do not allow oil, mud or other foreign matter to gather or harden on frame components. Warm soapy water or cleaning solvents are recommended for cleaning. The components should not be lubricated.

Do not leave collapsed tent sections and components in contact with the ground or exposed to the elements for more than 48 hours.

All detected damage should be identified, reported and repaired at the earliest convenience.

Dragging tentage on the ground, walking on tentage and general rough handling is prohibited.

Effort shall be made to keep tentage equipment serviceable at all times and preventative maintenance practices must be employed during use.

Erect and tear down tentage in accordance with the detailed procedures.

A site should be pre-determined when explaining these points. There is no requirement for the cadets to choose a site.

SITE SELECTION

The following considerations should be made when selecting a site for the modular tent:

Access for vehicles is required for easy set-up and equipment transport.

Firm level ground, high enough for natural drainage, is preferred. It is recommended to have a tough grass turf, free from projecting tree roots and rocks.

Positioning the tent to avoid prevailing winds bearing directly in line with an end wall.

A shady area free of underbrush is recommended in a hot climate. Doors should be accessible and trees that rub against the canvas in the wind should be removed or avoided.

Cooking shall be conducted 100 m from tents used for sleeping personnel.

When selecting a tent site on snow-covered ground, choose an area free from crevices. Prod the surface to ensure that a flat base is selected. The snow shall be removed until a firm base is exposed. The tent shall, if possible, be positioned so that its side is located downwind to avoid drifting snow blocking the entranceway.

Explain, demonstrate and have the cadets perform each step in erecting, tearing down and packing.

ERECTING

Lay out and Connect Frame

Expand all arch frames leaving the legs in a folded position and space them in module increments using a purlin as a measure. Connect the purlins to each arch at the peak and eaves.

Frame Locks

To operate the connecting, locking device on the peak bracket, first ensure the lock is released, by:

1.Placing the button head pin of the purlin into the bracket keyhole and push it upwards in the keyhole slot.

2.Moving the sliding bar up to allow the pivot lock to be swung over to hold the purlin in place.

3.Moving the sliding bar down to lock the pivot.

4.Operating the save bracket lock by lifting the sliding bar.

5.Releasing the arch frame leg from its erected state and moving down the lever lock, located inside the eave bracket.

Figure 5 Figure 5  Frame Lock
Note. From Operational Support and Maintenance Manual for Tent, Main (p. 2-5), by DND Canada, 1983, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1983 by DND Canada.
Figure 5  Frame Lock

Connect Tent Sections

Identify the tent sections and position them so the front-rear sequence of lacing corresponds to the front and rear wall location. Lace the centre sections together using the dutch lace as follows:

1.Sandwich the grommet side between the flaps on the lacing side.

Figure 6 Figure 6  Canvas Lacing
Note. From Operational Support and Maintenance Manual for Tent, Main (p. 2-8), by DND Canada, 1983, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1983 by DND Canada.
Figure 6  Canvas Lacing

2.Pass the cord loops through the corresponding grommet holes and then through the next loop working from the centre outwards.

3.Tie off the last loop.

Figure 7 Figure 7  Canvas Lacing
Note. From Operational Support and Maintenance Manual for Tent, Main (p. 1-8), by DND Canada, 1983, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1983 by DND Canada.
Figure 7  Canvas Lacing

Raise Side and Place Canvas

The following steps outline the procedure for raising the modular tent structure and placing the canvas:

1.Ensure the doors on the front and rear walls are closed. If the doors are left open they will be difficult to close after the modular tent is erected.

2.Raise one side of the frame with one person assigned to each arch frame. In windy conditions temporarily secure the upright section to the ground with the tent pegs.

Figure 8 Figure 8  Erect One Side
Note. From Operational Support and Maintenance Manual for Tent, Main (p. 2-8), by DND Canada, 1983, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1983 by DND Canada.
Figure 8  Erect One Side

3.Place the previously folded canvas on the sloped side of the frame, positioning the master grommets (large holes at the peak of the canvas) over the frame spigots (large point at the peak of the frame), and then unfold the canvas onto the raised side.

Figure 9 Figure 9  Place Canvas
Note. From Operational Support and Maintenance Manual for Tent, Main (p. 2-8), by DND Canada, 1983, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1983 by DND Canada.
Figure 9  Place Canvas

4.Secure eave and foot straps on the raised side.

5.Attach the front and rear walls to the centre sections along the roof line only.

6.Raise the other side of the tent and align legs.

7.Attach save straps (straps on the underside of the canvas that attach to the purlins as illustrated in Figure 10) and bracing cables (support cables as illustrated in Figure 11) but do not tighten.

Figure 10 Figure 10  Save Straps
Note. From Operational Support and Maintenance Manual for Tent, Main (p. 2-8), by DND Canada, 1983, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1983 by DND Canada.
Figure 10  Save Straps
Figure 11 Figure 11  Bracing Cables
Note. From Operational Support and Maintenance Manual for Tent, Main (p. 2-8), by DND Canada, 1983, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1983 by DND Canada.
Figure 11  Bracing Cables

8.Complete lacing the end walls to the centre sections.

9.Raise the other side and adjust the positioning and alignment of the arch legs to achieve a smooth canvas fit.

Anchor

The following steps outline the procedure for anchoring the modular tent to the ground:

1.Secure the frame to the ground. Hammer in the steel pegs (two per foot), working from the outside of the tent, so that the pegs are angled inwards (to prevent frame lifting as illustrated in Figure 12).

Figure 12 Figure 12  Drive in Pegs
Note. From Operational Support and Maintenance Manual for Tent, Main (p. 2-8), by DND Canada, 1983, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1983 by DND Canada.
Figure 12  Drive in Pegs

2.Tighten bracing cables or bracing straps to maximum tension.

3.Attach the foot strap, cinching to the maximum.

4.When using bracing cables, connect the vertical hold anchors with the corresponding D rings at the anchor points along the ground line of the canvas.

5.Drive the pegs into the ground under the sod cloth so that the side wall canvas is taut.

6.Connect the sod cloth flaps with the toggles and loops at the corners and along the sides. Place sod, snow or other suitable material on the sod cloths to prevent the wind from getting underneath them.

A trench is sometimes required when the tent is pitched on poor draining ground such as a flat, clay or heavy soil surfaces or shallow soil over bed rock. Sandy soils or areas which slope off normally do not require drainage trenches. The trench should be 20 cm wide by 15 cm deep. Slope the trench so that it drains away from the tent. Dig outlet drains at the lowest points of the trench, ensuring that they do not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular movement.

Only dig a trench if the situation requires.

TEARING DOWN

The reverse order for erecting is used to tear down a modular tent. The steps are:

1.Loosen cables and ground anchors and remove (if wind is not too strong), otherwise leave until the tent is lowered.

2.Remove material from the sod cloth.

3.Release all straps and lacing up to the eave purlins.

4.Lower the tent one side at a time.

5.Unlace tent walls and sections and remove from frame.

6.Dismantle frame (reverse procedure).

Ensure that arrangements are made to clean and dry the equipment, if required, at the earliest opportunity.

PACKING

Lay out the canvas with the outer surface facing the ground, for ease of cleaning. A diagram of the packing procedure is located at Attachment A. There are different methods for folding modular tent canvas; check with the local supply section when signing out the tentage.

CONFIRMATION OF TEACHING POINT 1

The cadets’ participation in this activity will serve as the confirmation of this TP.

Teaching point 2
Explain and demonstrate erecting, tearing down and packing a 5- or 10-person Arctic tent.
Time: 30 min
Method: Demonstration

These descriptions and instructions will be given as the tent is being erected, torn down and packed.

If the Arctic tent is going to remain erected for the duration of the exercise instruct tearing down and packing at the end of the exercise.

COMPONENTS OF A 5- OR 10-PERSON ARCTIC TENT

The 5- and 10-person Arctic tents are bell-shaped with a pentagonal base. Each wall section of the pentagon has a snow flap attached to the bottom portion of its panel. The tent consists of an inner and an outer portion. The inner portion is most commonly used for cadet training and consists of a zipper door, base tie-down points, air vents, stove pipe openings and a reinforced apex for pole insertion. The tent is supported by a single telescopic centre pole and 16 (10-person) or 10 (5-person) guy wires. The guy wires are pegged down with lightweight alloy or plastic pegs.

Figure 13 Figure 13  10-Person Arctic Tent Parts
Note. Created by D Cdts 3, 2007, Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.
Figure 13  10-Person Arctic Tent Parts
Figure 14 Figure 14  5-Person Arctic Tent
Note. From Hero Army Surplus, Army Tents, by heroarmysurplus.com, 2007. Copyright 2007 by heroarmysurplus.com. Retrieved December 2, 2007, from http://heroarmysurplus.com/index.php/cPath/116?osCsid=jncvpsk59lech7i4chhja975q6
Figure 14  5-Person Arctic Tent
Figure 15 Figure 15  5-Person Arctic Tent Sleeping Arrangement
Note. From Arctic and Sub-Arctic Operations, Part 1 (p. 3-11), by DND Canada, 1974, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1974 by DND Canada.
Figure 15  5-Person Arctic Tent Sleeping Arrangement
Figure 16 Figure 16  10-Person Arctic Tent
Note. From Hero Army Surplus, Army Tents, by heroarmysurplus.com, 2007. Copyright 2007 by heroarmysurplus.com. Retrieved December 2, 2007, from http://heroarmysurplus.com/index.php/cPath/116?osCsid=jncvpsk59lech7i4chhja975q6
Figure 16  10-Person Arctic Tent
Figure 17 Figure 17  10-Person Arctic Tent Sleeping Arrangement
Note. From Arctic and Sub-Arctic Operations, Part 1 (p. 3-12), by DND Canada, 1974, Ottawa ON: Department of National Defence. Copyright 1974 by DND Canada.
Figure 17  10-Person Arctic Tent Sleeping Arrangement
ARCTIC TENT INSPECTION

The tent must be inspected to ensure the following faults are not present:

Reinforced ring on apex damaged or torn.

Air vents are stuck closed or damaged.

Panels have tears, holes, broken threads or seams.

Guy wires or loops are either damaged or missing.

Broken or frayed guy wires or guy wire loops.

Stove pipe opening is damaged or missing.

Zipper on the outer door is broken.

Snow flaps with eyelets are torn away from the walls.

Drying line keepers are torn away from the seams.

Toggles are missing.

Telescopic pole (10-person tent) sections have bends or splits or the pole keeper pin is missing.

Tent pole (5-person tent) has bends or splits and do not fit together properly.

Base plate has cracks and, in the case of the 5-person tent, the base plate keep pin is missing.

Pegs have broken points or bends.

ERECTING

Explain and demonstrate the following. Have the cadets assist as required.

The only difference in erecting these two tents is the number of guy wires. On a 5-person Arctic tent there are 5 wires and on a 10-person Arctic tent there are 16. The following outlines the steps to take for erecting a 5- or 10-person Arctic tent:

1.Choose a site for the tent.

2.Spread the tent out on the ground with the outside facing up.

3.Ensure the zipper is closed on the front door.

4.Check if the liner is in place; usually it is not in place in a new tent.

5.If the liner is not in place, follow these steps:

a.

Spread out the liner above the tent with the inside of the tent facing up.

b.

Attach the top and bottom stove pipe toggles of the liner to the tent.

c.

Attach the remaining toggles of the liner to the tent. Use the corners of the tent as check points to make sure a toggle was not missed.

d.

Thread the lower drying line through the drying line keepers.

6.Peg the corners of the Arctic tent.

7.The tent pole will be folded in two. Straighten and lock it into position.

8.Take the pole and base plate under the canvas, going through the door and inserting it into the centre eye (reinforced apex) of the tent.

9.Secure the base of the pole onto the base plate and have the pole person hold the pole upright.

10.Drive the corner pegs into the ground before erecting the pole.

11.Have the pole person extend the pole until the skirt and snow flaps are level with the ground. Use the pegs as a guide; they should be pulled out during this step.

12.Lift the shackle and extend the pole. Be careful of the shackle pinching the pole person's fingers.

13.Lock the shackle into place to secure the height of the tent.

14.Pull on each of the lower guy wires and extend them in line with the seams of the tent.

15.Set each guy wire will have an adjuster on it; adjuster to the middle position.

16.Peg the guy wires to the ground using heavy duty pegs.

17.Adjust the guy wires to remove any sag in the lower portion of the tent. The tent should be even in height all the way around.

18.Repeat steps 14–16 with the upper guy wires. The tent guy wires should never cross with other tents.

19.Adjust and tighten all wires and prop up the door wire if necessary.

20.The two door eave wires can be propped up by placing the wire over an improvised pole, tree branch or other object higher than the door entrance. This keeps the doors from sagging and makes it easier to get in and out of the tent and gives the tent greater stability.

TEARING DOWN

Use the following steps to tear down an Arctic tent:

1.Have the pole person enter the tent and hold the pole.

2.Pull out the pegs one at a time and roll up the guy wires and tie them off.

3.Have the pole person lower and remove the pole.

PACKING

Use the following steps to pack an Arctic tent:

1.Lay out the tent with the tent door up and in the centre with zippers closed and remove any debris.

2.Ensure there are no double folds on the underside.

3.Hold the apex securely. The first long fold is made by folding the wings to the centre, with the pegs straight up and down.

4.Straighten and flatten out the Arctic tent.

5.Fold in snow flaps across the base.

6.Make the second long fold, repeating the action for the first long fold.

7.Straighten and flatten out the Arctic tent.

8.Make the third long fold, repeating the action for the first long fold.

9.Straighten and flatten out the Arctic tent.

10.Make the forth long fold by flipping the folds one on top of the other.

11.Make the first cross-fold; fold in the base to the top of the wall.

12.Make the second cross-fold by folding the apex into the base of the inserted pole section, allowing approximately 10 cm of loose fold at the base of the pole section to avoid wear and tear. The top of the pole should be offset.

13.Make the third cross-fold by placing the previous two folds one on top of the other.

14.Insert the tent, base plate and pegs into the bag.

15.Place the remaining two pole sections in the bag beside the tent.

16.Tie up the top of the tent bag.

CONFIRMATION OF TEACHING POINT 2

The cadets' observation of the demonstrations will serve as the confirmation of this TP.

Teaching point 3
Explain and demonstrate erecting, tearing down and packing a civilian-pattern tent.
Time: 20 min
Method: Demonstration

These descriptions and instructions will be given as the tent is being erected, torn down and packed.

If the civilian-pattern tent is going to remain erected for the duration of the exercise instruct tearing down and packing at the end of the exercise.

SELECTING A CIVILIAN-PATTERN TENT

To select a suitable civilian-pattern tent, consider the number of people it needs to accommodate, seasons during which it is being used, weather conditions that may be encountered, the weight of the tent and required features.

Seasons and Conditions

Three-season tents. Designed to offer good ventilation in the spring, summer, and fall, and provide sturdy weather protection in everything but heavy snowfalls and very high winds. Many three-season tents have mesh inner bodies, which reduce condensation, and can often be used without the fly for a cool, bug-proof shelter on hot nights. Three-season tents are airier, less expensive, lighter, more compact and roomier than four-season tents. Their versatility makes them popular with backpackers, paddlers, and cyclists.

Figure 18 Figure 18  Three-Season Tent
Note. From MEC Funhouse 4 Tent, by MEC.ca, 2007, Copyright 2007 by MEC.ca. Retrieved December 2, 2007, from http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_listing.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302702837&bmUID=1196614958520
Figure 18  Three-Season Tent

Four-season tents. Built to protect in extreme weather. They usually come with many poles and have low, curved shapes to shield high winds and reduce snow build-up. Extra guy wires provide more staking options. Fabrics tend to be heavier, with thicker waterproof coatings that make them more weatherproof, but less ventilated, and more susceptible to interior condensation. This additional protection means greater weight and packed size, and may be inappropriate for anything other than ski touring, winter camping, or mountaineering.

Figure 19 Figure 19  Four-Season Tent
Note. From MEC Mondarack Tent, by MEC.ca, 2007, Copyright 2007 by MEC.ca. Retrieved December 2, 2007, from http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_listing.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302702837&bmUID=1196614958520
Figure 19  Four-Season Tent
Weight

Tent weights are described as “minimum weight” and “packaged weight”. The minimum weight includes the tent and frame, and the fewest pegs and guy wires necessary to properly set up the tent. Packaged weight includes the full tent, instructions, stuff sacks, repair swatches, all guy wires and pegs. Conditions permitting, weight can be saved by leaving some pegs and components at home, and improvising with materials available at the site.

Features

Tent footprints. These are groundsheets that are custom-fit to the tent. Groundsheets protect tent floors from abrasions, increase waterproofness, and help insulate from the cool ground. Most tents have pre-made footprints, which are sold separately.

Vestibules. This is an excellent way to increase the liveability of a tent. They are useful for storing gear, to peel off wet clothing or put on boots. A pole-supported vestibule will be heavier, but generally larger and more storm-proof.

Explain and demonstrate the following. Use cadets to assist as necessary.

ERECTING

Setting up the Main Body

Use the following steps to set up the main body of a civilian-pattern dome tent:

1.Remove sharp objects that might puncture the tent floor. A footprint beneath the structure is not necessary for a waterproof tent, but it reduces long-term wear on the tent floor.

2.Assemble all poles carefully.

Shock-corded poles, (bungee cord) are meant to keep pole sections in the proper order, not as an automatic assembly mechanism for poles. Do not hold one section while whipping the rest of the pole back and forth, or toss the poles into the air; either procedure excessively stresses the pole joints and shock cord. Instead, fit poles together section by section, making sure that each piece slides completely into the next. Forcing an improperly assembled pole can damage the pole and / or the tent body and fly.

3.Lay the tent body flat. In windy conditions, peg all the floor corners before proceeding.

4.Lay the poles on top of the tent body so that each one crosses diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner; the two poles should cross in the centre to form an X.

5.Attach the pole clips to the canopy.

6.Fit the pole ends into the grommet tabs at the four corners of the tent.

Have one person lift the top of the tent to loft it up as the tension can cause the other poles to pop out. This is the stage when the greatest stress can be placed on the poles. There is often more than one grommet on each webbing tab to increase or decrease the tautness of the tent to compensate for fabric slackening or tightening caused by changes in humidity. When first erecting the tent, it is best to use the outermost (loosest) grommet on each tab.

7.Starting at a point over one of the doors, attach the clips on the tent to the poles.

8.Peg out the corners of the tent.

Most tents are colour-coded to help users erect them.

Attaching the Fly

1.Drape the fly over the tent so that the doors in the fly line up with the doors in the canopy.

2.Attach the Velcro wrap-ties to secure the fly onto the poles. They are usually on the underside of the fly on most tents. Attaching these wrap-ties is very important for strengthening the tent. The wrap-ties allow the poles to reinforce one another in a series of trusses; they also connect the corner guy wire attachment points directly to the poles for maximum stiffness when these guy wires are rigged.

3.Fit all of the grommet tabs on the fly over the appropriate pole ends.

Staking and Guying Out the Tent

Attach, peg out, and tension the four corner guy wires. Rather than thick, heavy poles for strength, most tents employ light, sturdy guy wires as part of their structure. This keeps the tents weight low. The design also makes it very important to securely rig the guy wires in any amount of wind. Not doing so could cause the tent to move in the wind (as with any tent, shelter from trees, rock, or snow walls will make for a quieter night under stormy conditions).

The pegs included with a tent are suitable for general use on relatively soft ground. On very hard-packed ground, use stakes that can withstand the force needed to secure them. On snow, sand, or other loose-packed surfaces, wider T-stakes or aluminum snow stakes will hold better; these stakes hold best buried horizontally. Improvise with other stakes (hiking staffs, ice axes, branches, rocks, trees), using the tents stake loops or cord as required.

Ventilating the Tent

Proper ventilation is the key to minimizing condensation in any tent. Some points to consider are:

Keep fabric doors open as widely as the prevailing weather permits.

If bugs are not a problem, leave mesh doors open.

Open each door from the top down; warm, moist air rises and escapes through high openings.

If the design of the tent allows, open it at either end or both sides to allow air to flow through.

On very hot nights, when there will be no rain or dewfall, leave the flysheet off and use the inner tent to keep out bugs.

TEARING DOWN AND PACKING

The most important consideration in taking down a tent is not to stress the poles and fabrics, by following these steps:

1.Disconnect guy wires and release the tension from the tent.

2.Release all the poles. If the tent has pole sleeves, push the poles out of the sleeves instead of pulling them out.

3.Fold each pole in half first, and then fold down towards the outsides, two sections at a time. To minimize the stress on the bungee cord in the poles and to speed disassembly,

4.Remove all of the components from one another prior to storing. A wet tent should be dried prior to packing as the moisture damages the tent over time.

5.Fold and roll the tent rather than stuffing it into its sack. Rolling makes a smaller package, and causes fewer creases in the polyurethane coating. The tent and poles may be carried separately for easier packing or load sharing.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Protecting the Tent

Ultraviolet (UV) damage is the largest hazard for tents. Fabrics should not be exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time; this eventually results in colour fading and fabric failure. The uncoated fabrics of the tent canopy are most susceptible to damage from UV and should be covered by the more durable fly. If extended exposure is unavoidable, cover the tent with a tarp or a sheet of nylon.

Lighting the Tent

Using a candle lantern in a tent carries definite risks. Never leave a candle lantern burning unattended; always watch for fire hazards from overheating fabrics or spilling wax. Spilling wax can be dangerous, particularly to eyes and other sensitive areas. Use candle lanterns wisely and with extreme caution. Cooking in a tent is strongly discouraged because of fire hazards and carbon monoxide inhalation risks. Unlike campfire smoke and other fumes, carbon monoxide can render someone unconscious without warning.

Eating in the Tent

Mop up spills promptly with water. Many foods, particularly acidic ones like fruit or juices, can weaken synthetic fabrics over time. It is best to eat and store food away from a tent to avoid attracting animals.

Cleaning the Tent

Clean the tent by hand while it is set up, using a sponge, a mild non-detergent soap, and warm water. Rinse thoroughly. Do not dry clean, machine wash, or machine dry. Stubborn stains like tar can be left in place and dusted with talcum powder to prevent transfer to other areas of the tent in storage. After cleaning, a spray-on water repellent designed for synthetic fabrics may be applied to the flysheet if surface water repellent is weakened. This is apparent when water droplets no longer bead on the fabric. If the poles are exposed to salt or salt water, rinse them in fresh water and allow them to dry before storing (while aluminum does not rust, it can become brittle through unseen corrosion over time).

CONFIRMATION OF TEACHING POINT 3

The cadets' observation of this activity will serve as the confirmation of this TP.

END OF LESSON CONFIRMATION

The cadets’ participation in erecting, tearing down and packing a modular tent will serve as the confirmation of this lesson.

CONCLUSION
HOMEWORK / READING / PRACTICE

Nil.

METHOD OF EVALUATION

Nil.

CLOSING STATEMENT

It is important for the cadets to be able to erect a modular tent because they are often used during survival exercises. A cadets' understanding of the erecting, tearing down and packing of tents allows them to better assist in the set-up of the camp during an aircrew survival exercise.

INSTRUCTOR NOTES / REMARKS

Every cadet, as a member of a group, should be given the opportunity to erect, tear down and pack a modular tent during the exercise.

The directives outlined in CATO 11-08 Environmental Protection and Stewardship are to be adhered to during this training.

REFERENCES

A3-012 B-GG-302-002/FP-001 DAD (1982). Basic Cold Weather training. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.

A3-059 C-87-110-000/MS-000 Canadian Forces. (1983). Operational support and maintenance manual: Tent, main. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.

C3-003 ISBN 1-896713-00-9 Tawrell, P. (1996). Camping and wilderness survival: The ultimate outdoors book. Green Valley, ON: Author.

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