This article initially appeared in PS 779, pp. 46-47 (Oct 17)
Dear Editor,
When units set up in the field, there are cables everywhere: power cables, antenna cables, commo cables--the list goes on.
The cables are critical. Just one damaged cable could shut down operations and many cost big bucks to replace. That’s why it’s vital units do everything possible to protect cables.
Some cables are so fragile that one step can damage them.
Stepping on cables can damage them
Those cables should be buried in a shallow trench.
Cables left on top of the ground should at least be marked with flags during the day and with glowsticks at night to prevent Soldiers tripping over them and trucks driving over them.
In high traffic areas, cable protectors that shield cables from vehicles are a good investment. Hundreds of protectors are available in the supply system. Just type in “cable protectors” in FED LOG for a complete list.
Cable protectors protect cables from tires
Here are a few to get you started:
Length x Width
(in inches) |
NSN 5975- |
Material |
| 10 x 2.5 |
01-117-0591 |
Aluminum |
| 20 x 2.187 |
00-782-1757 |
Aluminum |
| 23.5 x 4.14 |
01-197-8278 |
Aluminum |
| 36 x 1.5 |
01-253-6583 |
Plastic |
| 36 x 20 |
01-469-0892 |
Plastic |
| 47.75 x 2 |
01-075-7825 |
Aluminum |
| 60 x 1.281 |
00-233-6234 |
Steel |
| 60 x 2 |
01-470-3560 |
Plastic |
| 60 x 2.188 |
00-247-5062 |
Steel |
| 60 x 16 |
01-559-0051 |
Plastic |
| 96 x 2.188 |
00-280-3983 |
Steel |
It’s also important to leave slack in cables when hooking them up. That makes it less likely a cable will be ripped out of its connector if someone does trip over it.
CPT David Anderson
Ft. Carson, CO
Editor’s note: Cable protection is a must and worth every minute of effort. Thanks for the suggestions, Captain.