M12A1 Decon: Wet and Dry Batteries

Photo by Pfc. Samanatha Whitehead

Soldiers, if your unit has the M12A1 decontamination apparatus, be aware that the dry battery, NSN 6140-00-059-3528, is listed in FED LOG as a terminal item with no replacement. But there’s a suitable replacement, although it has some limitations. 

There’s both a wet and dry type of battery that can be used for the M12A1. The wet battery, NSN 6140-01-390-1968, can be used in place of the dry battery for CONUS customers only. As of now, there’s no direct dry battery replacement.

Because wet batteries have six (6) months of shelf life, OCONUS units or units who need to store the batteries for a long period can’t use the wet battery.  Combat Capabilities Development Command, Chemical Biological Center (CCDC CBC) is working on a battery solution for OCONUS customers.

Keep in mind that the wet battery is not suitable for air travel because it’s not safe. That’s because if the battery accidentally gets punctured, then the battery will release a toxic gas.

The wet battery is managed by DLA and direct vendor. Units need to enroll into the Wet Battery Program by sending their unit name, DoDAAC, delivery address and point of contact’s email and phone number to Cassandra Martin at:

                                                                                                                        Cassandra.martin@dla.mil