When I signed out for it I was instructed on how to destroy it by shooting through the lens or by using a thermite grenade in case I was in danger of being captured. It was made very clear to me that it should not fall into the wrong hands. When we came in from the field I had to check it into the orderly room and check it out again when we went back out. I also had to sight it in on my M16 and make it available to the guys in my position on guard duty at night.