The manual explains how in unconventional warfare operations, for logistical or security reasons, it may be impossible or unwise to use conventional military munitions as tools when conducting certain missions.

Starting from this consideration, the manual describes the manufacture of various types of ordnances from readily available materials, from junk piles, common household chemicals and supplies purchased from regular stores.

[8] Furthermore, the manual was found in many abandoned safe houses of various Islamist groups, for example in Kabul, Mazar-e Sharif and Kandahar (Afghanistan), as well as in destroyed training camps.

[9] The TM 31-210 manual was subject to considerations regarding the repercussions of easy public access to information on the artisanal manufacturing of weapons and explosives.

[10] The manual has also been mentioned in scientific literature, used as a reference for works dealing with topics such as ballistics,[11] forensic investigations,[12] security engineering[13] and counterterrorism.