Caching Weapons and Equipment

Weapons cached under piles of scrap metal or a lot of rubbish in case the enemy comes through with metal detectors looking for weapons caches.

Select weapons and equipment to be cached based upon the particular need of the unit and operation.

Procure the items to be cached

Select a cache site

Potential Caching Sites

Caves, abandoned mines and quarries

Walls (hidden behind loose bricks or stones or hidden in a plastered surface)

Abandoned buildings

Infrequently used structures (railroad facilities, etc.)

Culverts

Sewers

Cable conduits

Underwater- Underwater caches can be placed in water proof containers and well anchored in the water. Attention should be paid to the tides and strength of the current. The changing of weather conditions including the increase or decrease in rain fall should be noted as well. There should also be a way to retrieve the underwater cache, perhaps with some type of long pole with a hook. A pond or small lake might be best for an underwater cache. The location of an underwater cache should be precise and accurate, perhaps next to some distinguishing features or landmarks. The cache itself or perhaps the archor connected to it should be heavy enough to not even be possible to float away or drift off. The cache can be dropped off and picked up by men pretending to be fishermen, even though the cache is located in a place not frequently used by fishermen.

A surveyor can be sent out to locate prospective sites. The surveyor should carry the necessary equipment such as maps, a compass, measuring tape, pen and pad, etc. The individual should have a good cover story in case he is noticed. The surveyor can make his own map with reference points.

The cache site should have at least two secure routes to and from the site. A primary route and an alternate route. The routes should have natural concealment.

Weapons and equipment can be cached along the route to a specific target.

Be aware of seasonal changes such as snow and ice in the winter. Hard ground could cause a problem for digging. Snow could cause a problem as far as leaving foot prints, tracks, etc.

Packaging the Cache

Inspecting

Cleaning

Drying

Oiling- Apply light coat of oil on weapons, tools, and other items with an unpainted metallic surface.

Wrapping- The wrapping should be done so well that it should be near water proof. Each item is to be wrapped individually. The item should be wrapped tight to eliminate air pockets. Fols should be sealed with a water proof substance.

Packaging- All moisture should be removed from the container. A long lasting desiccant should be packed to absorb residual moisture. Clothing can be used for padding to protect the contents.

Instructions and diagrams can be added on the usage of the items.

The emplacement or recovery of a buried cache should be done after dark.

After a cache is recovered, effort is made to refill the hole that was dug.

Dynamite must be flipped or turned over every now and then while in storage. The nitroglycerin begins to seep out over a period of time. Dynamite is usually packed in saw dust (in case of leakage) and stored in a crate.





An article on Weapons Caching from an old "Soldier of Fortune" Magazine