Ground Vehicles: Removing Shippers Chalk Writing

BLUF: Shippers chalk writing on military vehicles can be safely removed with soapy water and a rag, sponge or bristle brush or with a product like Formula 409^® or a power washer.


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Dear Half-Mast,

How can our unit remove various writings on military vehicles? The shippers use chalk or other means to write on the sides of the vehicles. Now that my unit has returned from deployment and our vehicles are back in our motor pool, all the writing is still left.

Is there a regulation or specific way to remove this writing without damaging the vehicle’s paint or camouflage?

SSG G.Z.

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Dear Sergeant,

Chalk this one up to experience. To my knowledge, there’s no regulation that addresses this issue. But the writing should be easily removed with soapy water and a rag, sponge or soft bristle brush.

If that doesn’t work, try scrubbing it off with a pH-neutral product like Formula 409^®. As a last resort, a power washer can be used to knock the chalk off.