FM

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

5-31
FIELD

MANUAL

BOOBYTRAPS

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

SEPTEMBER 1965

FM 5-ai

HEADQUARTEHa

Fnu) ManualI

ARMY
M Sepi*Tflfter IBGii

IJKPAIITMENT OF THlC
No. 6-31

Wahhihgtom, D.C,

BOOBYTRAP5
CHAnu

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97-80

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70

4B-BD

87
Oi

Mubla
_
CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

i.

UoobylTAiipiiij!

miHB

Jn

muMRckli

_..

Bouby|p|iiiubuUdiiip. .......__..__,

Terrun

,.,_

fi.

MlBCELl^NEOIlfl BOOBYTRAPB

I.

fiUndud

iiobyl.npi

]].

[rri|triiViiUtLiHnii

Cmaitm

8.

IMKJllVTltAP

StDliUD

1.

CU-JinuK iixiUuNte
Diouriitin^ [eaUkhIi

Apiiixuiiil.

3
i

BQUIPMBNT

iliwinva

4.

II.

l-a

3-7

_..

...__..

lMH>l!YTEtAWlNO

in,

^m

mii or QOOUVTItAPH
Bi^donthna
__.___,.__.

Fknni

II.

Cir^mim

IblfoduL-UDd.
PiiDqipIn or D]Hiratk>n

I.

[ll

CHmli

Pftncnpl*

(CHARACTERISTICS OF BOOBYTBAF6

a.

II.

'

KalcreiinA

fi1-A3

Itt

DETECTION ANU REMOVAL

-,_^

.-
^^..^-,,...,

KA-W

110

flft-71i

113

.__.._.!

137

\.

'Thli

manual lupirudH PM S-3l. 31 Jiuary 1*34, Imladlnp C

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TAOO

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21 Akgml 1V1V,

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'1

CHAPTER

CHARACTER

StcHap

u.

STIC 5

OF BOOBYTRAPS

INTRODUCTION

I,

PurpdH and Scopa

This manual contalnB procedure*,

and eK|:edlentB

tet^hniqiies,

for the inatructioji of the soldier in tha annemblyH use, ddtecljoii, iind

rcmuval of booby Lrjip!)

in

tnmbat.

Included nre descriptions and dine Usui otliS oi the defliMn and
functioninK charflcteriatics of stundflfd demolition items flrins
devices, exploeivea, and ai't'eaaori^ft and miBsilei, such ae hand
ii.

ammunition, and bumba.

This EKAnuaJ also contflina information on a vjiriety of items

jfrenude*,
e.

Uid

mortar ammuniLipn,

indjffjmouii

exploaiveaH

ariillery

mnteriala La^fu] for ini|iroviainff firing duvices,

and pyrotechnic mixtures for

gunrrillfl

warfare appii-

catLona.

boobytrapB (dirty trick devices)

destribed. Moat nf theae have been deVE loped and used in the
by f oreisTi armies,
Factory-produced

d.

iixa

field

Safety meadiirefi pertinent to boobytrapplnff operatioTiB are

H.
provided for Ihe jirolectiun of ircmpa from casualty.
L The contentH of this manual are opp]icabla U) niitiJaar and nonnuclear warfare,
Camm<rtti
3.
Ufiera of this manual are encouraged to forward commenU or
recommendationa for chanjea for improvement. CommentK should
be referenced to the paBe, parnftraph, and line af text. The reaaon

for eiQch

comment

should

\^v

given to insure pfoper interpretfition

and evaluation. Forward all commentii dire<:tly to the Commandant,

US. Army Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia ^J20ti0.

SacNaii

II.

PRINClPL&

OF OPERAIION

TyjMt of loobylrapi

9,

charge cunningly contrived to be

by an unguripectin; iwrson who dlaturba an a-ijpfirentlv harmuse
less object or performs a iirpsumably nafe act. Twct typea are
improviwd and manufactured. Improvised boobytraps are assembled from Bpttiallv provided material or constructed from materials
ffenarally used for other purpoaea. Manfactured boobytraps are

l>onl>yt[ap j^ nn explosive

flred

dirty trick devices made at a factory for issue to troops- Thay

usunlly imitate some object or article that has souvenir appeal or
that maybe u^ed by the target to advantage.
--

'

AiHinbtlnti Baabytrapi

4.

main chjirfft, firiiiff device, atflndard

ways used), and detanatDr Another itcin. the unlveraal
is an adniiter for In^tJillin^ a firing duvii^e fldsemblv in n

btjobytrap consists of a

baac {not

aJ

diitruiitor,

bomb

to maky nn iniftrovised U")bylrBp, Alan,

are
often attached to the tnnin chflrge by
flrinu device aafiemblloa

tWded

|knijpi:tlle of

iiiBftnD

of

IL

lunjrth of detonfltintf cnrd.

-*
N'lNO CHAIN \i A SEIIEK OF
INITiAFIDMa lECINhlMQ W'lH A IM^LL
THF

QUAr^TITI Ol HIQHLT SCrfSlTIVI CXPlOtlVt

COA*PAllAriVKlT

AND EhOIMC WITH A

lAlOP OUAHIIIY
OF IWffUirlVi IH'LQ&IVE.

PELfASFD
FTRIfLEtt

A
'^j'

FIRES Pf A HUS? OH C4|i

I

PEHCUSBiOM CAP

lEIBDFF DEloriATOfl

DETOhATOR
(BLABTmacipr
SETS Orp BOOST EFT

^-r

5^

lipOOuCEt

FL4ME

SH'LL
CDriCLisaioh

PRUDUtC9

BOQITCB
DCTDMATEB MAIVJ CriAHUE
INDT ALWJ^Tl USEQI

CONCUSSION

>Sv,^

InlHcilIng

A.

AcMoni

THE lUlllATIMO AtTION STAIITS THE

HVia or u^osiON^ in ihf iooittii^p

nBJHO OlAINr

HEUUie

A.

wPGrii or roDT
ACIIOH.

UFIIhlO THE

IKFlfUtVE ACllOH.

^--i^'
c.

piuaunE-iiEUAse

MOVING

IME SIDNE

HAHTS EIPLCSIVE
ACTION.

MS PKEUUBE-tElEAaE
PIIINO DtflCE

OETONATim
irAiiwc Lowet SASH

17417^ EIPLOaiVl ACTION.

TNT

7.

*^

t^ Ui IttOKJH-

r^

RELEASE

l^Dtvice

Firing Dtvic* tntarnvl Action*

WNm

nUNO

DEVICE
ACniAIECt itUT
njNClLON IHTPIHAIIV IN MAN'T WA14 TO IHITIATF
THE PIIINC ChAIN.

A.

ELEOIIC

EMDfAl DP WEDUE

THItOUQH riFCTItC CAP

aenuiEN coniACfi

TO

CIUU
nui

ClltCUir

lAIIEIrV

WOODEN
WEDOE

AND

nFCTiric cap.

MEmL
CCMTAOa
TO lAnEBI

1.

MFCNANICAL

t^EASED AlUmV,

ira

Dri'^iH

srtiNQ, p^iba
CAP,

^BCUUION

M1AI

PULL-PIICTlOh

FVUISa IHt CHEMICAL

nUlT FNlOUOH THt
CHEMIUl COMPOUND
CAJ9EL PL^^M
TrtE

IMM

tllU,

DPQrtATOIt.

CHEMICAL
PLLLFr

PuLL-PmCTlOn rUfEWEST

WW
D.

II

oekmahy

pmaaiJiie^piiiaioN

PlUlUli OM TOP of THL

STtiKE' roKa in
COME-HlAPtD ETJD IhJTO
THI PHDlPnnmi^ AND
OLAJl iMlArurt \H IME
MAI INC SLfEVE, CAUIINO

tlAiH THAI

PlltEt

IHR

DEIONAIOI
ITIIHEI

MATIMO

PHOA'hOlUB

SLEEVE

COMPOUND

MOOil IV93

^'

1 1 ]

U5J jie

OH THE IDF
THE VIA!. FlteiNG
TNB aiiLMLJUC f,aO IQ Ah IX
WITH THE FLASH POWPU,
PlPtJU'e

lieM&

PMDUf IMQ A
rilTQ TriE

FiAME THAT
DETONAIOV,

>

WW
kUClt

-*j"*'

aeiMANT

ChEVICA4

PlUl

\j

|7|

-'SM

--

tJFlAT

the amfuie I(Eleaj

THE CNEUICAL IQ CQVIOOE
THi VETAIhlhC WIPE, FIEEINQ
IHE STMKEI TO
Trii
DFlQKAlair IHE DHAV IS
D&IEItMINEP BY THE II Ui
NEEDED row THf CnEmICAE
[:iru)hih'a

]i

i_ii

mi

TO fOMlODE 1H( lEIA^hlHC

WllTF,

GUU

AUPULH

OF
fOPtOSJVE
CHEMICAL
HETAINIhO

SWINO

Ml DtLAT

CHAFIBt 2
USE OF BOOeriRAPS
SkHbii

I.

UUK

DOCTHNE

Tactical Princlpln

1.

BoobytrapB supplement mineflelda by iTiCTSBaina thoir obalicle

value. They add to Iho confusion of the enemy, innii:t tflftunUi**,
dtfllrny m:.Lcrial, ami lowrr m.iriili', RiH>byLra|tbi arc uhually laid
by apeclaliatp. All rndLUry perjsonnd. hovyiever, nre Iruified in hafixpkiaJvea and other bouby trapping maU^rial, so that they
dimaj, II ncccBBttry, bodbytrap h mirw or install u pimple boobytrap.
Avlhcirity

9,

Army commnndcra issue spKial inalrucLiona fur Ihe ubo of

bnotiytrapa within their command. Supplies arc authorized and provided OB roquirod to meet boobylrappinif needs.
b. Army jind hijch^r cnmmanderB may ilcleitatt authnrlty to lay
a.

boobyLrapj^ Lu aa low
ers,

may

however,

lis divitfiuii

rGvoke

LhiJi

period, as the tactical piituutJoEi

c.

to

Records of

hi^pr
d.

all

cuniiiLaTiderSr All

higher

command-

iiuthority for a deflnil or indennite

may

reguiro,

boohytrupn laid are pruparcd and forwarded

h<yid<|uar[t'ru.

aruaa, as soon as discovered, aru reported

keep all interested troops advised of
atlivities. If ponHiblc, all Ixiobytrapa are neutraliied; other-

Enumy boobytraped

to hiffhar hoadiiuarters to

enemy

wJM

Lhey

arti

properly markoiL by warrUEie:

SicHbii

II.

^ijrris.

PLANNING

EflKh
tnfBiuous use of local r^flourcea and standard llomji is
in making effective boobytrapj*. They muat be simple
In confltruction, readily diapiiHcd, and deadly. Thny may produce
various
unenpeeted reflults if conceived in jdy cunnina and builL
forms. Boobytraps cauw uncertainty and susjuelon in the mind
of the enemy. Thty may surprise him. frustrate his plana, and
inspire in his snidlprs a fear uf the unknown.
b. Tn withdrawal, boobytraps may be uaed in much Lhe name way
as nuisance mines. Building and other forms of shelter, roads,
paths, diversiuna around obstacles, road blocks, brides, fords,
and similar areas are suitable Jocations for concealinir boobylraps,
c. In dL'fi.'iise, Imobytraps, LiLnccd In the paLh of the enemy at
StraLeB:ic locations in somqiont numbers, may impede hJa proaroBit
prevent detailed reconnoissance, and dt^lay disarmine: and removal

of mineflelds-

knlc PrinclplH
Ortiiinbajik iirindplOB,

II.

^uld ax wurTurc ILself, rnUdlbe Tutluwed

from lKMibylrji|w. Knowleila:^ of thpw

the noldier, npt only in plju'in^ boobytrapK
eitpertiy, buL Jh delKLlne Jind avoiding: thoa uf Lhc unemy.
lo gtL Ihi' opliiiium baneftt

principJuH will

aiiJ

AtrfAWAUca

qoHrr'iMMT

ij

manhatohy to ^DKEta,

*LL

OF looBtTHAriNG uiiji If atMoyta,

V.

FIIINC

AH OBtflOua fllllHO
AUEWail UAY DISIITACl
AllENllOh fROM A CUNNINOLY-

LIKE1.T

DEfllES

AlEAt

at OI4EI CONaTtlOlD

ABfAS Aie riCElLENT lOCATIOHS,

', '

lOAD

BEOCHS.

fAUEN

TIHS, iiiriit, fiC,

ARE IDUI IClCAriONa

IN

CAIHtlINC FIACFS

ANP

IM aiMllA*

PlAtPl

iQL&IEH A^AY i0l OB

OATHH, DEIAT Ch*K*U

11

lUnUINDa, AT aUILDlNO fNIANCEa,

WMEII

WV

OFF.

,t

APPfAL ro cuiioaiTV
lOQRVTIAl^ LAID IN
lOlD P05III0M& TO DAie
IhiF quKiDUS air leaUiia.
F

EMPrT

ILUFF

0.

tkriasiVE

dumhv iODtVTP4ri, i:dim&i&ienily

lEPFATED, MAY IMCOUIfAQE CAlEimNEIl
AH OBVIOUS BDOB^THAI' i*Af MA3>
AHOrHEl AND FEIHAPS A HQIF

CAtTON

FADLV ONE.

LUIES

H.

ODlTlirAPi MAI SE lAIIEO IMt

UNeXPeCTED DETOHAIION OF A DELaV
Aaiorj irjfrhDiAUT oi EiiiLaaiVi
OOaVTIAP MAI 1CATIE TIOQPi 0|
DETOUa THIM INTO A hO'E MPaVjLI' LAI
AVEA.

13.
17.

LaffiKan of Chgrgtl
Pr'-jiwiiii'in. J^mjil] t'lfmiinct

boobytraps

jirp tbii

most

ricBlrH-

for uau in raids in enemy-held terriUiry. Eai:h ni^nLbc^r of a

teom must carry hia L>wn .HUppili?^ and he nbln to op^ratp IndL'pEndenlly. Btxjbytrjipa nhouli] Lp riJi^emliled, except for the attachment
df Ihia Jinn^ devij't, bafore enltriiie enemy territory. Thla will
iible

reduce the work nt the situ io the nimimiini.

b. Locnthn. ChnrgeB should be pimped where they will do the
DOKt dumage. A chikree delDnatgd aifjiin^'^t a ritenc wall will expend
tta force in mnijnJried intensity a^ay fruni the wall. The feri-et>f an
exploBJon on the ground will affect thp aurrnundintf nir more if the
charge la placed on n hard sLrface. Thl.H dellecta the expLoaive
wave unward. A charge dHtonnting U to 10 fwt above the around
will riojnuite A ]arifi*r ari'a than one laid on ur beluw the jhL]rfaL:o.
r.

Ctninu'tTiHtifs.

Many Lnsx^HDaive boabytrapa.

tiinvple to

mak

and easy to layn will deky and [^onfuEif the enemy more than a small
number of the expensive and complex kind. Complex mcchanihmE

cost more, require mors care in laying, andaffflr Uttle

te thiin the rtimplt lypo.

more advan-

RHannoluanca

13.

Comiilete rtfconnHiBaance of an area is &wcniia! lo ffood planniriK,

Without this ah-I the [tr<j[aration of a proBi-ain, Ijonbytraps may
auitud to survey n
n*Jt lio iifliHl erlKCtivoly. BoGbytrap LamH are bcit
combat iirivi Ut dctermiiiL' its boobylruppinjf ponKibilitieH,
Pton ol Opamllaii

14.
a.

Lo um boobytraps doordiniteft
TimiriRof boobytrap opefhtionj*

The comnuindur with authority

hiu plantL with other tnctical plana,

with mnvement plana \h i^ntnsmcly PBnential- IJoobylrnpa should

any
oat be laid In areas whpm friendly trooim will n'mnin for
Htpnciable length of time. Plana will iiniiraUj what ia lo bo dune,
where and when it will be done, and Iho LrofkpH to be used. Generally,
trained truopi* are aaaiKinid such tasks.
the ty|*fl and
b. The plan authdrJAPS the use of ligohytriiiWi afid
dcnslticB reiiuire<l in spcciriednrcn.i, dependinKonlhetorniinJiTne,
peraonnel, and moterml available. The completion of the detailed
responhible for ins^tallntion.
at<n'ks on the Ikiirtis ai the
unit
aiipply
Materials are obtained from
plan

ia deluipileil

to the

commnnder

proposed action.
e.

Complete

i^ivirdination Iwt^vepn the tcoop

comnuindDr and the

The area should

job.
be pva[:uated inuncdintely followiMn: the completion of the
plan
a
detailed
d. Thetommaridorinstallinnboobytrapspreparea

ofllf erHUpGrviBinBbiK>hyt rap jittivi tics

iBBBBential^

and the Incatlofi, number. Lyin;. and scttina:. ILc

aasisna liotibytrap teoma to speciftt iireflH fl"d the laying of spetified typcB. The plan covers aiTanKCEnenls for nupp lion and trana|K)rtation and deaiKnal-i^ the location where ah preliminary work on
ljoobytrar>fl will b<* done. Time tables are eaUkttliahed to insure comindicalinK the ^ite

pletion of the

work

t(i

comrily

wil.li

withdrawal phasea of

tactii:al

plana.
e. in hasty withdrawal, when thoi'c is no time for planning, p^h
team willbeKivenaaupplyof material with inHtrnctionsfor makinjT
the iK'-it possible use of it ill the time allowed.
/. Uoobylrap planning mu.st aive projier consideration to all
known character i.itica of the enemy, Membera of teama should study

the personal habltji of enemy sitldiera. constantly deviainff new

tnethoda to suri>riau thifm. Repetitions may six>n become a pattern
easily detectcKl by an alert enemy.
p. Withdrawal operations are the moat iipsiralile of all for laying
boobytrapa. When an enemy meeta a hiHibytrapatthcHrat oblaclfl,
hiB projireas throiighoul, the are:i will be delayed oven tiioujch no
others have l"!en laid. A fewileadly lKHjliylra|mand many dun] mn-a,

f^m inapireitreat caution, Dummiea, however,

should be unaerviceable or uaelesa jtc-ms. Never throw ^way materia) that may return to plftgue friendly forctJ^f
laid indiscriminately,

HE*

SacMon

M.
0,

A conudAndcr nuLh'irJzcd

within hib lohe

nil

INSTAUATVON

III.

R>ipDntlbIim

ahowiTift Lheir iy\ip.

to usi'. t'onbytrap? i? reiipiinHiblfe for

"rnmninnd- Ue will keep ndi'quqip rnronln
huml>pr, iiml lorjiljnr, an-i prepi^rp inrnrnmUDD
I'f

on thosp laid and on prnrtifpn r<jllTkWiKl by Lin* ynpjny.

b. Manjiffemehi cif hurtbytnip Hcrvicra mny be di'lG^nted to the
t-di^Jni-Qr BUfT olflcoTr
fjr
Unit rommandifi^ inij^L knnw Ihp Jucution nf all ^>0Dhytrap4
in Ihcir areas and knc-p aII qulMirdJEiatea bo adviawl. SuLurdtbaLeu
ara also rcflponniblc for reporlin|r tu hLghur htadqujirLer? all new
inronnaLJon ol]LLim''l 'ni irn'my biif>bytmpa.
d. OiWcf.m rrjsfMjii.^]|jlr U-r laj-ing boobyLrapa prepare plajis,
BLperviae preliminary prtt'"ii-J<"n, and direct their ifiataJlation.
They forward to proper a^th^^^i^y fi detailed report of their prognaa. advise all toncerned wli^n --hanKis) ure mode, and report
to eiiEinenr iiitnlli pence units the dJht:ovary of any now enemy
devices or low-cunning practices
e. EuEliowir and infantry uoitp, with Hpecial traininir^ have the
1-BtiponBibi]jty of in^tHJline: anc! neutrallzinif boobytrapn. Since
adequate numbern of trainnor: may not alwayb be available. aU
troops are ^cven famiJiflrity inptructloo in boobytrappinE,
16.

PiacBduwi

Like

all

activitioj^

involving

e?rp]oHivG-i,

fferoua only lHif;BU!]e oP miatahea

niijflt

be followiid explicitly

in

buobytrappins

ia

dan-

men make. PreKribcd

meliinds
Iht inttm^t of pprflomil safety and

Dverall elTw^liveneiiic.
a. Before iwHemblyinn a IxNibytrjip, all cninponeiith should be
inapecLed for servi-wihility. Thpy miiut be complete and in wiirkinjr

and triKeering rfyvicen must be checked to inaure

proper action, and fnr rust or deiiLn that mi^'ht interfere with meordar- All Bafetiea

chanical action.
b. If aboobytrappinw plan ia not available, one muat bt prei>anid
on arrival at the aite, my that the mnleriai oblaintd will he required

A central tontrol point Mhojld Ijo ealablishod In each

boubytrap area where aupplies may be unloaded and from whith
directions may Iw givun. In arean wlier** many boobytraps ar coneantrated, jsafe pahWiRe ruutt-A from the control point to each loi:atJon mjHt bo markwi dearly. Linea or tape may be uaeJul where
vagetation id heavy. The control man ia the key man.
c. Several teams may operate from one control point Rai:h
team (rarely more than two mpn> in aHaiifned to a rtpecilie area
and Buppliefl are iwued only jul needed. Mach delail commander
must make certain that every man knows hia job ttnd is competent
to do ii Teams will remain pepurated so that one may not auffpr
from the mihtake of another. When a job ia completed, all teama
items only.

14

muat roport

tii

dontrcil

man

before

Onepcr^uii iiiwM'hteam

ft.

If poHflibte, niemberti of n

id

gTiCiiff

ehewhera.

JHsijfUfl If *d kjulev lo direct all

wark.

will nvold xvorUlne close toetther

UnJn

II IwJoljytrap is fieaembltd. One memljer should d" all ti'chnii^Hl

and t\m othor bu a hqlpi-r^ to CArry aupitlisi], provide iiaaiBtiincB
npc'led, and learn tbeflkllla needed.

when
woT-k

f, Utiobytrapd laid durlna; raida Into enemy held territory flhoilld

be amiil], Rimplfi^ mid tn^ily Installed. Each nioml^er of a party muAt
carry the aiippliflB he needs. The use of bdobytrapa under thaae
cauditionB, when &4:curate recorda are imposBible, may be a hfizm^d
to fripndly troops if raids Into the Kume area should become ins^ea-

aary.
/,

(a)

trtiobytrapB la na foUowH:
that will produce the optimum effect
the boobytrnp is actuated,
Lay the charge, then protect and conceal it.

(3)

Anchor the boobytrap

Procedure for

inatjillintf

Select the

tl)

i^ite

whan

aef urely* with naila, wife, rope, or

wedges, if iiete^ary.

CamoudnHe
Tehma arm

(4)
i^)

or conceal,

if

neceasary.

lioobytrapj^ aybtetnAtically,

working toward

A aafe area,
Leiive the boobytrapp<;d ttreo tieaj". Carry away all itema
that might bttray the work that hua been dune. Ruch aa
looae dirt, cmpCy Loxca, tape, and broken vogctatlun.

(fi)

17,

Obliterate tootprintfl.
Morking

Raparljfig, Rtcardlng, cind

roport>ri and recorded for tho Information of

commanders and Ihe [trotection of friendly troops from

Boobytraps arc
tactical

Bocfbytrap inalailfttiona arc reported and recorded aa

nuisance mineflelda, whether the area containn both boohytrapa
nnd mines or boobytrupfl alone.
caanalty.

a.

Rppi}Tt
(1 )

Jntmf. Thifl ia transmitted liy the fnsteflt meana available

conaiatont with algmil becurily. It includes the location of
the baobytrapped area aelected, the number and type of

mtnea to l>e laid

boobytraps to b^-

(if
Inidn

antitank mines are buoby trapped J,

theeaUmjited utartina and iji:mplet-

ing time, and the tactical purpoae. The report ifl initiated
liy the commander authorlaed to lay the field and for-

warded
taj

to hiifher headQuarters.

af Layin'j. This report In transmitted by the

fastest meanti available con^ibtent with signal security.
l-niliaiiofi

It contains the locjition

and mtent of the

fleld, total

num-

ber of minofl a^id bnubytraps to be laid, and eu^imated

time of completion. The ciimraander of the unit inatallinj:
11

^m?Jflg- v
.

"^*^^^

^ffjiroH
"!" *"PU

^U^>^.X^,J^

7-

,b-_<

Cirr

1^-^

Ma

'iliJ

'

1.

,' A.1

1 F#**

rtm^J^'

.^.^ ^ ,.~'.-^

-.

ftmiwmmt

Mtt^rtm #p

r^t"

>^-f.^^ -/^

pii^^:ii

ffl,
iEK

the neld Acnda the report ta the cortiinander

him

to Uiy

thjit

directed

it.

The report of completion ia tranamiltcd hj

the faateat pojisiblu meUQa. It contaJDS the DumbeF and

(S) Compietvm.

y-

type of bodbytrapa laid, location and extent of tlie fleld

or area Ami Ihe timi" of rornplclion. Thi* ri'|>nrt in forwarded tu army tpvoL When iKXfbytrapn are laid, oither
4
_,
1
aJoim or with jninefl, the report of intent and the report
of initiation of laying will include the estlmatd numbiir
I
of boobjtraiKi to be placed and the report of nunplotlon.
the niinibi!r placed.
b. Reeordii. Biiobytrap8 are recorded as nuiAance mine flelde on
tbe Btandard mine field record form. It iii TilJed in aa follown:
(1) The guriural locations arv uhown on thcs skett^h, iisiny the
appropriate nymbol. Uoobytrap^^ed ui-paji or biiildJTiffH ari^ letlvred
Herlally/A'beinff the nearest Ixt tlie enemy.
(2) The number, lypea, lacationii. and mutiiodH uf operation of
btbytrapi4 are entered in the NOTKS Hpction of tJip form. IT vpac?
r_~
.

mny hr alUiched. If lYiv buobytriip fannot hi' adegujLtoly iJi:^<-rr[K'd fii a fi-w dhoii deuleaces, a oketch of
minimurji d-iUiila will be inrladod.
ia lacking, ;iildlLiini;d MfiPtLi

(!$>

Thu rnrord

in prppari?<l

the bool>yLrap and Torwardi'd

slmtittain'oujily

with the laying of

army level without delay. Jf & standard form is not available, the data required
mu&t be entered and uubrniLCed an an oxpodiont form.
(i) Nuioance mine fidda containinff both mine^and boobjrlrapa
arc recorded an prescribed in FM. 20-32. When the spci'inc locations
Lliroijjjrh rhariiK-lu

lo

of boubytrapa and manufactured devices cannot be accurately recordiH] {scattered laying in open Jireas) their number and type aro
enturral in the notes section u thf;

form and

identifiud

by grid coor-

dinates.
e. Mariana. Boobytraps an- marked by special triun^lar siens
painted red on both aides. On Uip aidt' facing away from tlit; danger
area, a 3-incb diameter white disc, is centered in the trian^Fr and

word BOOBVTJtAI*S is painted in white acrosa the top bi 1inch letters. The STANAG or new sign \& aimilar enri-pt for the 1inch white stripe below the inscripUun, Si ffOH may be
of metal,
Uifl

n^e

woimI, plfMlc, or similar mAEi^rijiL

They are placnl abovr i^mnd,

apex downward^, un wire fenced, trees, or doors, windows, or other ohjecta or by puahing the apui in the ground. Thcfw
workinff signs are usud by all troo[tf to identify friendly boobylrapa
during the period precedirtg withdrawal from an area. <ir tu warn
friendly forcee of the proHence of active eneiriy boobytrapa.
righL-arn[li'd

17

d. Afmndonnti^t. When nbftndonmir a boobytrapped uren to

the
enemy, alj murkera, wire, etc., aj-i- removed.
e. Sit/iiB. SimH are ulso umiJ to mark
enemy booijytrspEi oi- buobytrappDd arma.

II

CHAPTER 3

BOOBYTRAPPING EQUIPMENT
Stcllon

I.

FIRING DEVICES

'.

Ijirroducl'nn

0.

MjiTiy tri IftfKTin[r devices are avallflbLe for use in boobytrnps.

indudq

fuiea, iKTiitera,

nnd

They

fSrJng devicBB. All U.S. stjindnrd flrlnff

devices hnve the fdllowinff JidvnntagBS over impravlhutlunan t'PLablisKod supply apeud of Jnr^ULlhELittn, deptimlabiliLy of fLim'LioiMiiff.

residLanceto weJLCher.

whkh

mny

JLiiil

Fmfety.

AUhnvuaatjirnlard bnan

i:[Hi|j]lnB

variety of charffaB. For

more cletni led infunriution aey TMy-ia7S-2CKJ-

by

19,
a.

they

M1A1 PrvMur*

refldily l]i?Rllached Lo

Rring Device

Ch'iracf.i^nslici'-

jl

e.

Ttihtallijig.

(1)

Remove

pruttKtive cap

from baee und crimp on a nun-

blHHtin^ cap. Crivtpfr jmrn akouid be jilncfd no

farther than
incA irotn, open pnd o/ hloAimQ cflp.
BJectr-li?

(2)

Auvmble 3-pT-cnif Ed pres&ureheBd jliiiI extanabn rDdnd

Hebrew in top or preasure cap, if

(B) Attuch

firlniT

nwded.

device usuembJy to stHndflrd baae.

(4J Attach firing device flaaembly to charge.

I OP

hlDTE.

il

ATTninp.

lop priiurB banrd

If

b*n-a*n

]l

aid I4D

Ram^vd

d'

ppanm

PIEUUIt IQAID

blt cltHmnrP Ipail

li

Utad,

pranurv

idjIl

safnty clip Arst and po^ntive

pm ^t.

PaEUHE

OAID

20

DiBomatitj.
positive
H) Insert length of wire, nail, or original pin in
saftity pin hole.

Rep|ate5afetydip,irnviiilahle.
exploaivo block,
(3) Separate flrioff device and
from ftrlng dpvica.
(3) UnBcrow atandard base flKsembly
(2)

m Ml
a.

Firing

PmII

Drdtf

CharaoteriittiDB.

HhihIbui
Cai>

Colot

H-IdI

Inl^rBDl *iIEh'

9i\6

Ln

3 S/1*

i-

iplil-haad ilrltar

PaitofllnD

&ef>ll

LDCklagand
pullK* wt*ly

FIt4 iirlli EbHipl*^ Htlh

Tfli'liinl

bait Hid

pill

DubHl

Ln xflPtfan

-J
ai

IrlliBlJng A<>lpn

ban.

pirll

Oil lllp

H^*

b.

FuTiotionino.

pulEuf U to l

pin

from

split

tb. oh tripwire withdrawn inptircd 4?nd nf release

hid of striker. This fr^ep Htrikcr to ftre the percus-

aion cap.
I'UII

Wlt#j

SIIIMI
SArETT PIN

peicumoN
CAP

fAFETT PIN

_ ll.T-

/v

1
c,

tr
r

InatiiUiaff.

(1>

(2)

RemnvB protoctive cap.

With crirapera, attoch blaatinR cap to atandnrd
Crimper jiwjs nhould be. pliU^pd tut farther LhaH

bane.

in,

froTA typtntnit of bUntlitfJi f^i-p(B) Attach IiTinir device aSEii^mbly to chars^o.

poaiiivE

>*fif

NONlLEailC

BTAHQAB

ue

.>
;

Ml PJLL FIRING

DEVICE

CIIMPEI)

33

Arming,
{I) Anchor

d.

RomaVH

(E)

and fasten other end to pull rms;.

pin
fiJifety Itan flrat and jmsitiv mfrty

Lrip wire
lotJ^lnH

Diaarmint!-

e,

pin
Inaert nail, lenaLh of wire, or flriginal safety
tive aafety pin hiiXn firat.
(E) Insert a aimitar pin in Intkinjj aalety pin hole.

(1

(:i>

U)

trip wire.
Separate flrinK device and charge,

Cut

ai.
fl,

M3

Pul1-Rlen FlrinB Dtwk*

Charnctt^rinl.iiti.

posi-

b.

Functitming.
(1)

Pilll,

to 10 lb. on taut trip wEro rflinos releaie pin

ahoulder pasHs conatrLctlon in burreh The eti-ik^r
jawa then spring opsn, releaains striker tutlrtp^rcusaiDn
pull of

until

cip.
{2) TenBion-relenae.
Heleafie of tenaian

(cutting uf

apriiiff-drivuii striker

tn

tJiut trip

move forward,

wire)

permits

from

5eparfLt

release jind fire percuaaion cap.

poirri'^E lArtir

Til.

DOWN

LOCKIMO 3AF'TT

lELEAlB
PIN

peicuuioN
C4

C-

tnaiuiiinif.

(1)
(S)

Remove protective cap.

With crimpers, attach blAsting: cap to standard
Crimper jawt ahoitfd 6e jiluccd no fnHhrr than

base.
'/t,

in.

frorn open fnd of hhfiv.u <''sp.

(S) Attach ftrinff device annftiiibly Ui jinchored chargp (must
be Arm enDujfh to withstand pull of at least 20 Ibr),
(4)

(fi)

Secure one t-nd oE trip wire to anchor ^nd ijLacQ other

end in hnle in wini^h,
With knurled knob draw up trip wire until lockinB;
flafoty iiin is putled into

wide portion of safety pin

hoJe.

34

nOKcnvB--^
TMT

OiMPrtl

H) WiLh

cord,

rcmovp

:im)ll

^-tUer pin

pin and withdrjiw lotkiriH iwfcly

(Z)

from

jjiii.

IncWinjr

[f iL

auety

dues not

iiult

out caiilly,hdjii8t winch windinff.

With cord, pull out positive Rofcty pin. This should pull
oul oaaily. If not, difwuwcmblc rttid inapoct.

aiMAU COTTII
Plhl

e.

Disarmino-

U)

tnsort lenRtJi of wire, nail, iir^^itier pin in poBitivc aafeLy

(2)

pin hoLc
Inaert Uingth of wireHimilH of jmrety pin In locking aaCa^
pin hole.

Chw^k Iwlh ends nnd cul trip wire.

^4) Scpnratc fltintf dovici? from thnrKP.
fJotc. Ins'iTt ppnifivp aafplv P'* ^^h^ Cut
[^)

Irijr

wire

Itut.

'

n.

MS

PrHn-lllvi* HHrq

a. C/uimcif-Tvilicf.

I>vIc*

c.

JnnittlUno.

u If^ii^th of lU-gng:^ wire In Interceptor holeBerdriUghlly loprt-vent drnppinnaiit,

(2) ftemnva aniflU riitter ])in from ohfety pin.
(3J Holding releaw plait down, ropkce aaf ety pin with length
of No. 18 wire. Bend wire sliffhtiy to prevent dropping

{IJ

(4}

Jriagrt

Remove

protective cap

attach blasting cap.

farther than '/i inch
(6)

from bnae and with crimpera^

CWmp^r

jaiva akimld

from oppn end

Sscureliring device assembly

in

b'l

plaefid

of blaating

no

cojt.

char^.

VUTlMMlhlQ WT
<aT

LEAST S LB

w _ PHOTECTIVE
FJ

PRESSUfTE
d.

aUMO

Arming.
(1>

Place reatrainiiiK weight on top of firing device.

Remove thin wire from safety pin hole. If wire does not
come out euaily, restraining weight L either Inaiiil^cient
or improperly placed.

Remove heavy wire from intercuplorhole. It Jihould move

Withdraw thin wirt' first iind ht'tivif wire
lagl. FoUow amUnf! jtrocfdiiTi^ carrfidlt/

freely. Woif.

37

CAP

e.

DiMarmint/.
(1)

Inawt lena^h of heavy suae wirB in InterceptoT' hole,

wira to prnvent dropping out. Proceed car^fuily,

Bmd

(U tht alightpBt diaUtrhaTici! of the reatrainino Mfdght

inight miiiate the firms device.
(2) 5parat? fains devlco from char^^

nfSTPfllfclNO
4AT

33'
a.

WT

LEAST B LB

15-Artd Dfllpy Delonolor

CharscirriaSicft.

This device larmihU o{ a pull-friction fuse igniter, Ifi-aecond

len^h of fuBd, mid blaatiug cJip. The blnstinf cap In protected
by 4 transit cap screwed uti the buae.

b.

FunciioninQ.
A strong pull oj) the pull ting draws thg frkilon ignitet
through the Jla&h compound, ujiusmg n flame which ignites
the tima fuBe.

,PULL

srartDARD thread

Iranait cap Eroin base.

Secure
devLc(>
in char^G.
(2)
(1)

Unacrew

t:*

(L

Arminff.
(1) jWanKH/
ia)

Remove

safety pin.

Attuch une end of trip wire to Anchor aUke nnd the

other

tbj

i?iiiaiion.

i-o

Jtemove

puU
flJ^f

ring,

ety pin.

I,

f.

Disurntinff.

(1)

TtiRcrt jpnffth

pin

of wlrt, nail* ororiffmnliwfety pininaflfaty

liole.

(2)

Remove

(it)

Sepnrute l^rinu device from char^.

trip ^^ire,

PIN

39

M.

"^

'SrtBnd Dlny IWhMiator

<L.

'

ChllTCClCTVitiCP.

This dovice conHiats of a pull-type fuaeliffhter. S-flomnd length

of fuBc, uud a bU&tinff cap. The hlaattng rap iB protected by n
LrHTiAJtcap, B(!rWMiiinihebaaB,

fltron^ pull cin Lhu T-j4haped handli!

Ihrough the
j^Ltea the time fuse,
IfiTiiter

flanh

rompnund,
UPFTY

0-

draws the

cfluflina;

PIN

friction

flame that

AND tING

r?

fuBtiiUJno-

transit cap

from bjiae-

(IJ

Unscrew

(2^

^i^cure device in charge.

(1)

ManualiitiLiatLoiitltflmuveBaFctypin.

(2) Trip win- initiation.

(a) Attach one end of trip wire to anchor atiike
to pull ring.

(bi

fl

Hbdiovo safety pin.

uid the other

f.

Disarming.
(1)

Insert Jangth of wire, i^aW, ur aufaty pin in dafety pin

hole.

(2)

Remavi'lrlp

(3)

Sup^rutiiLmiLtf dL'vJcbframcharjt:^,

wlift.

\
35.

Ml

Dilliy FJring

Dl

c.

Installing.

(1)

Selectdevtceof properddey.

Tna^rt nail in inflpet^tioii holi? to make sure that Arinff pin

hHB not been n-lesjed.
(^) Kt'niovo protoctEve cap from bAS?,
t4) With crimpera, attnch. blasting cap to baae. Crimper
jamn should he plaeed o farther than
in. from open
(2)

(Fi)

end of blaatino cap.

Secure firing device nsMmbly

in defltructor

and then

in

charfft!.

d-

Arming.
(!) Crush ampule by SQUccainff the copper portion of
(2)

p.

HomovB

cflae.

safety atrip.

DisarjAing.

There in no bafe luag of diaarming f.hia firing devioe. If diaarming ia necesann^, inaert bji improviadd fiafety pin through
Inspection huJu.
Ml PrtHUra-RvUoia

36.
if,

Rrlpg DavIc*

Characfrrinticit.
Dlma nilini

Cflu

Cakar

M-Ul

OD

w
3 In

V IP

H'

Ilk

InFvrral ^cIIdfi

Maeltaiiltal

-llh ipalriQad

^r*|lai

ilralnltig Pr'nuiii

1 lb

er ikort

&. Functioninff-

Uttlng at removine refllmining weight unlatchca

inff

lever, releaa-

Htriker to fire pereuaaion cap.

LEVER
sntMD

SPHlHti

LATCH

L*TCH

k'inihG PIN

^^Tel:EPTW
pin HdiE

-NkiLihQ hhjm:et

(BEFAB down:

(1)

InaHrt a lenirth of henvy Sflffp w'^e

interceptor hole.

BHndaUffhUytupriJVflnldrnppinKQut.
(2)

m
'

HoldinK dovm
liinglh

'if

latch, rcmftve safety pin

and

repUM

with

Ihin wire.
protective cap

from base ami with crlmpeTfl

cap. C'WmjJ'r jawii aluiuldbr
nonelwtrlc
bliuitinE
attach
/>^iina
piaoed no jarLKtr tfatti % ' /'' "P"^ p' 'Z

Remove

rnrd, priming adapter,

(4) Apiicmblt' iRTiKth of dtloimtrnff
i'x|tli)8ive block,
mid
bluaLinn
cjipn
mmelectric
cord \o blaBtinK cap on
(6) AtUdh free end of detormtiiiE
Ml relcaBL- device with friction tape, allowinff G in. of

detonaliniT cord to eiU-nd beyond joinL

LlGMTttlHE
q' f ffEE

END

PPIHING

ADAPTED

i^

OtTCJNATINQ

tnnn raPtci
TO WWeiECTRiC
BLaaTiNC tfli'
INTESCEPTDH WIWE

HOHELECTHC
BL*BT|hO C*P

d-

ArmiriB.
Place restFamihj: weight on lop of nring device.
thin wir^ from nafely pin hdle. 7f it does not
pnine uuL caBily. reatrjii nins weight id eithflr ihHumdmt
or improperly placed.

(1)

Remove

(2)

Remove honvy wira from

{S)

?^tile. I'ructicd

interceptor hole.

carefully.

THtU

3AFETT
WfRE

INTERCEPTOR
MOLE

HE.fivy GflGE

WIR

DiaiTminff.
(1)

PrMPf-d rare fiittj/

my

iniafff

aif

the a lifihtt'Ht diiitiirhanc'-

(tf

rrstmin-

tniiilif tmitt'cft itiv^r

ttnd drtoiuUr: the mins.

Innert li'nifi^ uf heavy gflKe wire In interceptor
hol
Bend wire to previant dropping out.,

(2)

Insert Ipnjfth of thin wire in tafety pin hole,

if

pohHihilc
(S)

Sppofflte flrinu device assembly and exploaiVfl charge.

THIN
,

//

SAFETY
WIRE

(IVTERCEPTOR

HOLf

HEAVr GAGE
WIRE

Stcilan

37,

Eiplatlvsi Dud

ir.

'

FM5-75 and TM
n.

Accatiariei

IFor mora

ddoHad InfarmnHonj

ia

V- 1373-300.)

in isnuqd in "^ V;* and 1-iJound blockfi in a inihIbiuiH coTilainer wjth lacquered melhl enda, Ono mid hna a
threjided i:ap wtll. Hjilf-itouiid lili>t:kij nrc obtiiinpd bycut-

TNT. This

tinu 4

b.

DEMOLITION MA1ERIAL5

Kpound

parkixart^ in

Ml Chain Dr^oUlinn Bhcke

the rehtcr.

(Tftn/tol). Thin explosive con^

Hiats of eight 3"^-poTind letryto) bloEks t:int inrhi*?

apari

ontu Q single Hni- uf deti^natiiig cord, which exLenda 2 fuel

beyond the end blnrks. All blockuhave n telryl b&jster iiienDh
flnd.

Rrtch chain

in a

wooden box.

ia

pnckrai In a hnvpi'sackn and

two havpraacka

'm-^
ASFHIftLT

IVPnEGNArCD
PfiPEI

e.

MS

Demolitiim Hior.k (T'trjftol). The

MZ

demolition block

ia

emLloaed in an fl^phalt impregnnted papev wrn[tH?r. It has a

thrended cap well in eiu-h pnd. Eight hlocka are packed In a
haverBach, and two havtiraacha in a wooden box.

WEIGHS

d.

Ms

M5 Demolition Blocks (Compotition Cs). Thene t(inof a yellow, odoroUr^, plastic pxploaJve more powpr/ul tJian
TNT, The M'i blouk hna a mrdhoard wrji|>i)er ncrforated
jiround the middle for easy o^wning. The MG Mock )iaa a plusand

Biat

tic

contBlnar with u thrpjided cap welJ. Eight M3 nr Mfj hlocka

packed In li haveraack; and two hevpraflcks, In a wooden

fire

box.

WEIGHS

P.

MgAJ

Demolilion Block {Componitinn Ci). This is n white

murp powerful than TNT, hut without tha
odor of C3. Ejich block is wrjippyd in plastic coverCns; with a
threaded cup wull in ench end. Twenty-four bidcka are packed
Id ft AvDodcn box.
plaatlc explosive

/.

Mlie DrmoUtion Chirpc

(Ctimpnitilion C6).

Thia

is

COm-

C4 In a new pnckjige nipasutinir 1 in- x 2 in, x 12 in.

Each biMk hoa an adhesive compound on one face. Fnrtlier
poflition

S.

information Is not availably,

Mils DftnoUlron Charnc. Tht

PETN

23,001) ft.
ii\.

h.

xa

MllS charge is composed of

The deliinating rate in appruxtiiuitply
per aecoTid, Each potkajTH cuntaina fcur sheets 14
KlEln, Each sheet hflfl an adhe.siva compound on one

and
in.

plai^ticiiprs.

face.

Furthsr ihftrrmnj.jon

tive

effectiveness

in unavniJable,
Composltitin B. Citmpoyilion li in a hi^h eitploaivE ivith a rela-

higher than

TNT, and more

senaitlva.

Bwfluse of Ha hiffh dentnnfttlmi rate Dnfl shjitterinff power, it

ia uaod in cerUin tihriK^lufe torix;dogs jinJ irt shnped chiira;flB.

I.

Thifl \n ubpcI in dotonn-tlnff card. It Is ont of ihe moat

powflrfu] mllitflry oxploflivpn, almost i-qun.! to nitroflyLprine
and RDX. In dotonaiing cord, PSTN" hna a velocity rate nf

FETf^.

Zl|0(JO taei par second,

J.

Amatol AmatuI, h mixture of ammonium

niLrjite

imd TNT,

haa & relative ePfer.tiveneM hiffher than that of TMT. Amatol

IHO/ZO) is uaed in the batiHalsirp Iwrpedn,
k.

I.

This h Uie baae charge in the MB nnd M7 electric and

nondectric blabting: oiipa. It ia highly aenaitive, and has a
flhatterina eEFect second only to nitrofflyi:erino.

RDX.

Detonating Cord.
(I)

Tjfp^iH I find tl,

lead eottfln

These

tube

(llied

qotiaiat of a flexible

with

PKTN. On

bnddd Murir

th

DWdB

ft

layer of asphnll covered by a layer of rayon with a wax

nam composition flniali. Typf h^s the tarter diameter

and sreater

tenAJle MrerjieLh.

OUTfR
COVER
EXPLOSIVE
ar

12)

Type IV. Thia Is aimilar to iypss T und IT, except for the
amooth ploatic covering d^r^iimfld for vifforuija use
and rouifh weather.
apecla]

CDVEfl

fcKPLaHIVE

m. Rlastina TiMf Fwte. This conniath of bljich powder tiithtly

wrapped In luyqr^ of Fabrir: ;ind ivHttTprnonnff niJiterJJih. It
muybo any coJor, orange boijig the mont common. Aa Imrnlng
rate varies from ahaai :\Q to lU ^(^(o^d^ [wr foi>t, Gurh roll
rriUbl be tested before usin^ by burnLiLjir und tJminB a l-fgoL

BLACK

POWDER
CORE
FI5RE

WRAPPING
71-

OUTER
COVERING

7'/(Jrt fu^t ihjuiBrkffret^inioid with a plastic

amooth nr wjitli Ain^tl^^ poinU-d jibmsive harida
around the ooUidc at l-fmit or Id-inch inlervalr* und duubln

Sn/p/v^^'is'' W?flf>,

cover, either

painted abrKaive luindfl nt Ti-fout orflO-lnch intervnl,^. Althuuffh

the IjumJriB rrttti ifl uniform (iitujut 40 aeconda |"'i fuot). it
should be leated before using by burning nud Liming a 1-foot
IpTiRth.

_!_.:_...

JMtJO FuBn: Liuhtiir.

0,

(U
{2}

Toiflntatl: llnBCrmv th> fus^ koMer arp, rFTnoi'e shipping

pluK, inwrt time fuflis -ind lighten cap.

"'"

To reload:
(a)

liiRprt

primer

baiie

and primer

in

end uf lighter

hcUBiiig^

(b)

Put wflshera and grflmmuts

in

open end of fuse

hoider cap aa shown, and screw fuaa holder

firmly an houaing.
(c)

L'nacrflwfuHehoJdert'pijjaJjiJiif

IhreelllrnsandiuMTl

H freshli' cut tmJ of Linio fum* into the hole in

until it r'L^ts ugairidt th^ primer.

H)

Tighten

cflp

Lht* iJip

dflp.

SHIPPING

PLUG

WflSHEHS
SftFETY PIN

39

LIGHTER
HOUSING

(3)

To

tire:

(a)

Reniovp

(b)

Pul]

ajifuty pin

0^1 ihjII rina'.

Note. Llffhlpr

nnjsFible nfLer Lhe Inhprtion of

is

prinipr mid iht

rmaamLly of

v^

new

iinrts.

Eifptrir ftbistintf Capa. Electric bluptinif TApa have three

len^thfl of Icndi^-ahDrt {i to 10 fl), mc-iiuni (12 to 11 ft),
and IrniE (50 to 100 fL) The short-cirLuit Uibor fihitnt prevtiiita
,

flctiiiientJil

firing,

must bu

n-itinved Ijefori! the cflp in eonHEcted in the OriTiKdrcuit.MilitflrybUstliigcjiiin are required

to JnGuro df-tniLaEmn of milltnry expioslvop.
[t

t
q.

iHITAI

SHLL

LEAD1

A'onfifr^TJc BU\itUu Caps.

iiTid

the

exctipL

Two

types are

In

AlUUINUU MELI
NO

HT

r.

the No. B
appearance

flvfllUble,

M7, which reaemblefl th^ No. S

for the expanded open end.
BpecJQ.1

Fnmijiff Adnjrtir. This is a pljialic device with a threaded end

for flwurins t-lectrit and nonelectric primera in the Lhreuded
cap w<?llfi of mllJLary exploiilvub. A jfroovo for ea^ny innerUon
Of thb eleclrii; lead wirea extends the full Jength of the adapter.

I^
OlrOQVI

B.

Universal Destructor. The di-al^ructitr is uflcd to cpnvflrt

loaded Itrojeclilut, miHsileJi. Hiid iKmilia into improvised
charaei;. Tha deiiLructi-r hJiH booaCercnpa containing totryl [lelleU. All BtundHrdnrmKduvJcEB with the atandHrd hiue coupler

MlO

acre IV into thf top.

t.

jtfino Activator. This m u detonalor dealgned for

booby trap pitiB uiilitunk minPB. The lop is threaded to rer*ivB
all standard firing devices, &ad the boM lo Bcrcw in antitank

Antitmh

mine activator

wella.

ro* siAHDAita
rillHti

HVICtJ

41


Bangqluta lorpvdd

7H.

Thu

bangJiluriH Lcrr[>oi]o 1a AfTruur) nf 10 loailinFf atLBmNieB (ateel

with high explosive) wjlh nu^e hWvi- and ronnei^tinr

The luudinic jwspinhlies may
used ftingly, in aeriea, or
bundEeit, Thuy aro primed in four ways: by a nt^bdard ArJag

Lubc?f filled

aleevts.
in

device;

\.tt:

a standard

flrina: devicp^

nonelectric blBBtinif cap, length of

and nonelectrit bla?lin cap

deUinatfiLg cord, priminjf iidcpttT,

(para 2^)\ a pdandard i\t\ns dtvice, and len^Lh at dt-LunjiiioK cord

attached by the clove hitch and two Fxtra tiirnA around the cap well
at either end of the Joading; asuembly; nnd electrical methods (pjirn
29).

LOAOIWi AaSCMBLT

POSITIVE^

LOCKING
SAFETY

SAFETY

STO
BASE
]

Ml PULL

HPING

DEVICE

'1

PPOTKTIVE
.CPIMFFIS

GAP

DETONATING CORD
TAPED TO ON ELECTRIC
BLASTING CAP

Ml DELAY
fm\HG DEVICE

^n

NONELECTRIC
BLASTING CAP

ftJ

im]'

MAA3 Shopvd Chgrg*

29.

ThL'^r.hjirBi'ccinflifitaof ftcnnlcal toil,

conknlliner, IntcprnJ stand-

and ll'/ij imunda of exploBive, It miiy be

primed intKree ways: by a atandard rtring device; flatflndard fiHne
device, nonclgctric^ blfl^tinw cap. length of dctonatlni? cord, priming
adapter and
odflptcr, and nonelettric tiluBling cap; and a priming
thrijaded cap

off,

electric blaatina

ivell.

cap connected to powi'r Bource.

=:^
Ml PULl\
FiniNO >
ncuiTF
DEVICE

\
1

TRIP WIRE

STD

]<B^r
;i

PflOTECTlVE

CAP

HTDNdtina uaaa
UPEO 10 NHJELECiniC HLd^iriNB

CAP

l>iJLL MHirVll

OTQ

WH
\

DEVICE

POWER
SOURCE

gif%
PRIMING

ADAPTER

""IMINQ

ELECTRIC
BLASTING CAP

CRIMPERS

30.

M3 5hapid Chorg*

MB flha[>H[l i^lukr^e is a metai conUiniir with a conJL^ul iqp,

dOhlcal liner, threadod cap weJ], 30 pounds of explnaivt. and n
mttfti tripod HtandofT. Tt nmy be primed In the flame manner Ds the
The

M2A3 i9hnpd

charge above.

METAL CONTAINER

16 1/2"

#fC

Stctlan

31

III.

MISSILES

IntrBducHon

Hand
hate

ffrenadea* hombs,

and mortHr and

ammunition
phaTKei The only

artillery

wid*" aiiplicalion oa improvlaed explMivft

portion of thcBCUBpfui in bodbylrappinjTThowiTver, are thuciintainor

and itB exploHive l^lier. The fuie ia replaced by a fltandard fitijii
dDviceand anMlD umv<irHBl destructor an adapter daajgnedcipttially for Ihifl purpoae. The number and type ot miaailes useful la
hcubytrappinB:, however, are not limited to

l.h

cx&mples ^ven
'

below.

^~

Hand Gnndd*
The M26 hand ffrenadcj an improved model conBistB of a thin
metal body lined with u wire-wound f raamentatJon cuil, fuze, and
32.

composition B cxplojiive charje, IL haa a variety of apjiUcationa to

boobytrapping. The fun: ii* rtmoved and s, standard firing device
remotely connected by a
1b acre wed directly into the fuie wall or
length of detonating cord, priming adapter, and a noniilHctric
blaatinf cap.

SAFETY
PIN

MS PRESSURE
RELEASE FIRIPW

34FETy

-I

mOTECTIVE

CHIMPtHS

CAP

ALAS TING CAP

FUZE

ETCtATIhD COfn
rftPlll

TQ tiH-

ELECtmc bLA^tlW

HI

49

tMLL FlftlHO
DEVICE

WiflE

STD BASF

SIMM

Morfar Sh*U
converted by roplJirlbg Lhi: fuzu with, a bLBodard flrinf
device and h properly uaaenibled deatructar or by n Jirinjf devlcsij

33.

This

ieiiffth

ia

of detoTiatiii; rord, [>rimijiE iidnijUrn nuiitkctric blru^tiiiE

and a properly a^ucmbldd clealruiilor. IT h dcnlructor js not

available tho detonatinB: cord and nonelectric blasting cap are
packed firmly In the fUM well with C4 oxploBiVfl.
c&p,

I'UZE

DFTDNaTrNS
tOHD raPED
ID WNELECtniC
BLfiOTIJ5

PR

C*P

IVINLJ

PEginucroff

ftLJAPTEft

WJhELttTHIt

WrAI PRESauffE

CRlUPEnS

HI PULL\

rfflP

FIRIM

STD

DEVICE

aasE

MdH-EIECTiriC

CAP

WIRE

PHOTEcnVE

-J

DETOr^ATlNG CORP
TAPED TO NONEL-ECTHIC BLA5TIC
.CAP

CAP

C4
ElPLOUVe

T*

High Evploilvi

34,

Sliall

Th'i hi^h enphiptvo shell

rEadily atlapted to hoobytrappiriR,

ifl

Tht

removed and rypljuod by a atatiriard firing device Jind a

prDperly-aMemhldd deRtrurtor or n qtnndord firlna douir^e, lergth
of dPtohJitLiig: ord, priming udnpt^r. nQnelectric hUatirg cap. and
fuie

Js

ia nol nvallaNc,
are
paqhed firmly
curd
and
nuiieleiitcic
bkEtJng
cap
IhE detonnting
in the fuze well with C4 qxploflive.

a properly-fltffiPtTibled dpatruttur. If n destructor

t2;i FUZE

CHhMl^^
PBOTECTIVE
CAP

^^O-

M1JLI

ITD

miuni:

piniua DEVICE

iA

LiiaTIHO
CAP

CMTPUCTOF*

FTOUaTIW]
CORD TAPEB
TO MlNELECTniC pqtPilNQ
BLA!i-iN^ CAP

PHDPPI'LV ASgEF-BLED

DC^TnUCTOfl

QIWPTEN

MMELCCTHPC
BLfiSTinO CAP

MfOTfCflVE
[TEVICE

CAP

CHlMPEflS

OtrOHAI'OH

CWD

IflPED

ID NDh-ELECTflIC
,HL-A;i1Na CAP

NOW -ELECTRIC
BLAITINS

CAP

CmUPEfll

35.

kmhi

These arc adapts to boobytrappiiiir In Iho aajne manner a& hlflfh

Dxplofiive and mortnr ahellB. Thoy nre t>flmeii by rpplAcJnfi thci fuzK
with a fltaiidard flrinK device nnd a pr"|wrJy-ABaembled dratructor,
or wLih a stnndArfS firing device, lenelii vf iMuhating cord, priming
adapter, nonelectric blaiitinir cap, and n properly-niaembled desb-Uctor. If a destructor \a not Available, Lhe di^taiLatin^ rord and
blflBtinE cap are packed nrmiy in tht luac woll with C4 exploaive.

f-uj:^

PROPERLV aSEtMBL-Q

PRDTCCrrVE

ESIHUCTOH

CAP

DIlDhiilHiJ cvia
FL(CI"l[:

UP

PuhpEhL- flHEMSLeO

BLASHNQ

IKlTBUCmP

V"'"
hCf'fLEClFIIC

UriMPEHS

KTOHiTIOh COHD
TO MON-ELELlRiC
WlPft

V"

.M,
wi Pull
FimWO DEVICE

STD

TAPtCi

BL'STljiG CAP

N0H-ELECTH1C

y^

Bmritja
CAP

PRqTECTIWB

MP

crimpepii

AiOllDnk

36.

MIum

A land

mine may be oead &a the main charge

removmff tJie fuaa and attQj:hlnir ft fltandurd
reLai firing device iu an auxilj&ry fuse well,

in

a boobj^mp by

pull or prBB&uni'

a. P^tll.

Betnave locklnH ^tfcty cotter pin in

(1)

hnd repJacc

ML

with, length of thin wire.

pull flrLnff device

Bend wire

aliffhtly

dropping out.

to prevent

Remove poaitlvo aafaty rotter pin and replace with lenarth

of thin wire. Bend wire alifhtly to prevent dropping out.
(3) Remove plftntic protective cap from standard base.
{4} AaaembJe firing device, activator, and mine,
(B)

lAHTr PIN

'~J|"

w/

^---^\
TRIP *IH

SAFETY

W9KT

J".

HIS

flUTI TANK

PfiOTECTIVE

'

CAP

WiFttB

(1)

'iCTItf^TOI*

Insert length of

heavy wire

preaaure-roleflHe firing device.

in interceptor hole In

Bend win-

MB

slightly to pre-

vent drD|ipihg out.

(8)

and repljiee with length of Uiin

Hend wire Bllghtly tii prevent dropping out,
Remove plastic protective cap from standard base.

(4)

Aaaemble

{2)

Witlidrftw safety pin

wire.

firing devii^e, activator,

Note. The firing

maaouite

devii;-?

rnuRt

bf

^ on

issued with the

i^

M&

and mine.
ii

firm bnae,

UID ANTITANK
MINE

ACTIWhTGIt

SASRET
CAP

LJ-"H)TECTIVE CAP

MS
*^

"

"
f

'

plppce

for this purpose.

PPEB&^JHE- RELEASE

PRCSgUPt aA3E
HFAVt INTEPCFPtOP WIRE

of

CHAPTER 4

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
SscHori

37.

Tacrtcdl

BoDbylropping

r.

Mnoi

in

Minfl*ld<

PuqHuv

Antitank mines laid iD mine fields are boobytrapped (i>r activated) primarily to make breaching and cle'jring as dangerous,
difficult, and time coiiaumiiiK^ispthssihle in order to ijonf use, dnoraiiae, and delay the enemy. Moat standard U-S, antitank mines and
many foreign antitanli mines have auxiLiary fuse Wfclla far this
purjK>se, See FM2i)S2 for more delailr>d information.
3S.

MalhHJt

U.S. standard antitank mines are generally boobytrapperi by

means of a pull or a pressure-release firing device, or both, if
desirable,

PaU. Dig hole to proper depth to bury mine on firm foundation with top of pressure plate even with or slightly above

a.

ground

level.

Arm mine

before boobytrapping,

(!) Tiuttalling.
(a)

Remove locking safety cotler pin and replace with length

of thin wire. Bend wire slightly to prevent dropping out.

(b)

Remove positive safety cotter pin and replace with length

of thin wire. Bend wire slightly to prevent dropping out.

(c)

Remove

protective cap

liring device, activator,

from standard base and assemble

and mine.

AUXILIARY
FUZE WELL

CAP

[D

ACTfVATOR

^GASKET
THIN
WIRES
(2)

BASE

LppQT^^yiyg
CAP

^-1-*^

ANTITAMK
MINE

Arming.
(a)

Anchor one end of

trip

wire to stake and fasten the other

to pull ring,

(c)

Remove locking safety leirv. firiit.

Remove positive safety ^-

(d)

Camouflage-

tb)

Gl

(3)

Uncover mine carefully,

(b; Lctcute booliytr^p Jisaembly.
(c) Replace positive safety Jirsf, then locking safety.
(a)

(d) Cut trip wire.

(e)

Turn arming

dial of

mine to safe and remove arming

plgg.
(f )

Remove fuse and

replace safety

is) Replace arming pluit^.

th ) Recover mine and firing device.

fi2

clip.

b-

Dig hole to

Prp.mmrF.-Rplvase.

firm foundation, with top

sUghtly above ground level,
(1)

In--Jatlin^.

(a)

Insert

pro['er depth to

bury mine on

pressure plate even with or

o"f

kngth

of heavy wire in interceptor hole.

Bend

prevent dropping out.

iviro ahghtty to

Remove

(b)

safety pifir Apply pressure on release plate until

pin come^i out ejiaily.

(c)

Insert length of light wire in safety pin hole and bend

slightly to prevent

(d)

<e)

Remove

dropping

out.

from standard base and assemble

firing device, activator, and mine.
Place mine and firing assembly in hole, using pressure
protective cap

board to insure a aolid foundation for firing device.

Uie ANTITANK
MINE.

fltriVATOH

i;
THIN

STD

JBL CAP

'l,'r"V''^E D-P^TECTLE CAP

,W5 PSES5UH& RELEASE
f\V
^.-^ FIRING DEVICE
SAFETvP V^[

^PfrESSUflE BASE

/meavv (NrERCEPTOn
WINE

'\

(b)

Arming.
Camouilage mine, leavijig hole at iside to remove safeties.
Carefully remove thin safety wire first, then the inler-

<c)

ceptor wire.
Complete camouflage,

{2)
(a)

B3

(a)

Uncover mine

tarefully.

^^1

(b) Looatc boobytrap flssembly.

(c| Insert len^h of htavy wire in interceptor hole(d) Turn dial on pressure plate lo "S" (safe) and replace

safety fofk,
(e)
(f )

Recover mine and firing device assembly,

plate, unscrew detonator, and replace

Remove preaaure
shipping

itt)

plug:-

Reassemble mine.

OETONATOH
PPESSUPE
PLATE

SAFETY
FORK

INTERCEPTOR

HOLE

HEAVY
WIRE
54

39.
a.

ftoobylroppvd Frign MlnB

ATttitank Miries.

The Communist European and Asiatic armtea boobylrap mines

in a nrnrh dllferent fashion from lliat of the U.a. and other NATO
countricB. The Germans in World War 11 used both special antilift
devtees and antidiaturbance fuzes, one of

which haa been copied by

the FrenclL
(1) AntUift

dp^vicf.B.

(a) Russia

Cummuniat Chinese, and North

Koreans boobytrapped wooden antLtank minps by
laying two of them, one on top of the other, in the
same hoie. The mines were connected by an MUV
pull fuze and a pull wire, so that the bottom mine
would detonate when the Lop mine was lifted.

1,

The

2,

The Ruasiana

Russiflng,

in World War 11 also had a more

methoda special wooden antilift
under the mine. This, however was

sophisticated
device, placed
readily located by probingr It consisted of an outer
pull fuze, a pressure release
case, a charge, an
hJ supported on two coil apringfl, and a fuze access

MUV

hole. Lifting the

deiiifp

Tjj

too

presfiure-release
lengrth

mine

initiated the antiiifl. Tiiis

Even though thp

might be secured by a rope or

dun&erous

to rfiwrnL

of wire, the chances of additional pull wires

and boobytrap charges are too gnAt to risk. Also

deterioration of the wooden case from proJunged
burial adds to the difficulty. The bttat procedure in
to blow all wondett antitank niines a4 aatiUfta in
place.

*4^'

--;?

MUV FUZE

FUZE JLDEfi

PAflTJTION

f'bj

='

Czechoslovakia. This satellite country has a wooden

atititnnk mine jPT-Mi-D) that may prove tfMlremely

hazardous to breaching and clearing parti&s, Havmpan

R0-] pull fuze in enrh end, it is easily boobytrapped
by means of wire anchored to a stake undemcatJi the
mine and extended throuEh a hole in the bottom of the
case to the fuae pull pin.
,

o-i

POU IU?E

56

PUlLf1l?E
PIllSSURC BlOCK

UINf

fWSSURE
PCCE

II

FWE^SUI'E BOARD

LOCKING tVE[>StS
fcj

BOOSTER OHAHGt
(BLOCK? ALSn FIL
SPACE Ih VfNEI

Fuze support
BLOCK

'

V
((?)

I^(>Wd I7nr 11

GfsTTtuitiy.

*Cir;*TINGFnjLLy.lSE

:'

-STiMlf

The German armies had

preasure-releaae devices for boobytrapping

antitank mineSr In a fiAlure war in Europe, these ar

several

fafsimiles
J

may appear

on any

buttLefield.

NipoUte all explosive antilift. This eonaisted of two

oblong biDcka of moulded eKploaive joined toeetJier
with brass bolts and recessed to contain the metal
striker asaemblj'r It may be disarmed by inserting
a safety in the lower safety pin hole.

f'EZ W;. This device wuiaists of an explosivK charge, a pressure-release firing mrthflnism, a
is
aafety bar and a metal case. When Uie safety bar
clot^kmeans
of
itself
by
anna
removed, the device
work inside the case. This device t^nnot he dis-

EZ.

SM*

armed.

of an explosive charge,
safety bar, and
assembly,
pressure-release strilLer
tum
of the safety
e<iuipnietit.
A
chemical arminR
^eleasin^?
tlie chemical
vial,
crushes
the
ffla^
bar
cannot be
to dissolve the safety pellet. Thi^t device

SF3. This

dvjarmed-

antilift consisla

T.

(3)

ML Z

(a)

Z AA iJitidisturbance fuiea.
Tn addition to aevera.! antLJift devices, the

^1 and T. Mi

Gerratvay.

Germana developed twfl ant idisturbance f uzea iuJliiited

by pressure or pressure-release for aetivating Telfer
mine^ 42 and -13. To arm, the fuie ia placed in tJie
fuze well and the pressure plate serewed down on top
nf the fuze, shearing Lhe arminn: pin. Removal of the
pressure plate initiates the preasure-releaae mechanism and detonates the mine. Although the T. Mi. Z
44 was an experimental model that oever reached the
field, copies of biith fuzes are now in use in aeveral
Eunjpean armies. Mines armed witk these fnzeB can
nuither he identified by size^ shape, morkino, or co^tw
of the case, nor be disarmed.

^^^
T

1)

Ml 1

franee. The French have a copy of the T. Mi. Z 43 antidisturbance

i.

(pressure and pressure-FElease) fuze^

and Teller mine 4^, named models 1952 and 1948
respectively. The fuze is placed in the fuze well and
the pressure plate screwed down on top, shearing the
arming pin. Removing the pressure plate actuates the
pressure-release element, detonating the mine

tt

iMOQEL 19S2
ANTI&liTIJIIBAMfE

FUZE

Antipersonnel mines are laid in antitank miiiefieWs

to halt ami! delay enemy tvoops and make bri^itthing
and clearing as difficult, dangerous, and time eonauming bR pQSi^ible. Enemy mine layers mjiy increaae this

harragament suJistantially by laying small bla^t type

antipexsunnel mines near the anchors and along the
trip wires, which, affording to procedure, must be
tracefi from pull ring to anchor before cutting. These
are pstremely hazardous to breaching and clearing
specialists \vho may detonate them unawares by the
preasure of b hand, knee, or elbow on the pressure
plat.

^^

StcHcn

II,

BOOBYTRAPPING HJ1LDINGS

A<lvontogt

40,

Boobytrap;? laid ia buildjjigs and their surrounding can he very

effective. Buildinga ate very attrfixtLve tu Jightmg men for they

provide a degree of comfort and shelter from the elements. They are
uaef 111 fur headquarters where ptuna may be made und com-

alfio

munications carried on with greater dispatch.

41

ImmBdiat* Surraundingi

Once a buiJding: has been occupied, it becomes the focal point

and communication from many directions. Thns the
immediate vicinity becomes a putential luc^tiun for btmbytrapa,
b- DwellinBiS in sparsely populated areas often have out buildings, wood piles, fruit trees, weJla. fenc^ with gatss, walksj and
a.

for travel

other locations easily rigged to

VIA

wound

or dr*troy careless soldiers.

PRESSURE

FIHING DEVICE

BOOBY TRAPS UNDEP

BBICK5

1
41
Delayed action charges detonated in buildmgs after they are
occupied are extremely effective. Such charges, howeuer, arc difficult if not ahnuat impossible to conceal, espei:ially in large masonry
and i^tppl buildings, which may require a large quantity of txpla^ive
for serious djiinaKe or destruction. None but most ingenious
specialist, given time, help, and a wide selection of material can do
this satisfaclorily. In World War II, the Rir^aians prepared such
a boobytrap for the Germans. Howpvcr, after long careful aparch,
the charge and its clockwork fuat were located by means of a
stcthoanope. Small buildings, on the other hand, may he only moderately difficult to destroy by delayed charges.
G.

41

>
nr

-^-...-M.
1

L^

PULL FIRING
DEVICE

Wi CHARGE

EnriancH

42.

Curiosity prompts a soldier to Lnvesttgate hurriedly an interestiug buildiTiK in lua path. Womei] loot, or mere inquiaitivene&a

may

be the motive. His rush to be the first inside makes aEJ entrancea
fixcetlent spots for boobytrapa. For the foo1lGh a rigginff connected
to the front door, side door, or back doors may he siifficient. Rgt for
the experiented soldier, who may carefully seek entry to the basement first and then try to clear the building atory by story, careful
and iniEenious effort may be required.
a. Baaemfnt Wmdaws. Here boobytraps must be concealed to
prevent detection by the enemy'a bn^jjg the pauc or kiduDg out a
door panel. Basement windows should be boobytrapped at the top
or in the floor underneath.

i>2

FlfiOT Windowi*. Windaw charBea are essier concealed

weight box behind the jamb than
the wall or under the
floor- E^iperienced hands can remove and replaoE window trim
without obvloua damage.
b.

upper

tn the

(1) NQnelectTic iiring.

(a)

Aa^mble MS
and blasting

pull-release firing device, stdnd^rd b^^e,

cap.

Place !ihebt explosive in weight box.

Bore hole in side jamb for pull wire.
(d) Anchor one end of pull wire to window, and thread
through hole in aide jamb.
(e) Attach free end of pull wire to ratchet on firing device.
(b)

(c)

(f )
(e:)

Arm firing device,

Conceal boobytrap.

HOLE FOR
PULL WJRE

M3
PULL-RELEASE
FIRING

DEVICE

Z \/Z LB

SHEET
EXPLOSIVE

CHARGE

(2)

Ekctric ^Ting.
(3)

Fasten two metal brackets to Bide of weight box. eloBt

two flashJight batteries between.

entnigh to vvedge

P!ace sheet eHplosive chdrge in weight box.

Inaerttlettrie blasting cap in charge.
idf Cut one ley wire and attach to lower bracket.
(el Cut i><Jier leg ivite to proper lengT^h tn twipt an uninsulated loop on end and fasten to hang in 4>laee j ust abcve
top of window weight.
(f) On a length of leg wire twisL on uninsulated loop atound
the IcK Wire hanging above the weiaht. Thiead other
end through other uninsulated loop and fasten to top
elamp. Tape wire to window weight.
(g) Tft<t circuit with galovonmeter firat, then insert bat(b)
(cl

teries

between brackets.

Conceal buobyttap.

LOOPS WITH
NSULATION

PEUOVED

SHEET
EXPLOSIVE

T
c. />o(ira. Improved detection methods have made the use of
boobytrapa on doors, with charges, firing devicesj and wires
CKposed, a waate of time and material, exi^ept for purix>flefl of deception. The beit lcf[;ation is the head or side jamb, not the sill, which is
often recommended. The ^ill is exposed, so that one experienced
clearing: unit ma>' easily locate the rigging white in the jamb, it is

concealed hy the doorstop.

(1) Head jamb rianing.
(a)
'"

Assemble

Ml

pulf firing dcvirp,

atandard base, and non-

electric blasting cap,

(c)

Aaaemble length of dcti>nating cord, priming adapter,

cap and explosive bfockAttach firing device firmly to stud and tape free end of

(d)

length of detonating cord to nonelectric blasting capDrill hole at proper place in header and head jamb,

(b)

ni>np|ectrjc blasting

Anchor one end of pulL wire nt proper place on door

and thread free end throuKh holes,
(f) Close door and attach pull wiro to pull ring.
(g) Arm and i^onreal boobytrap.
(e)

'

PULL f RING
DEVICE
flSTEWED TO
Ml

STUD

(2) Sid*

jflrrt& riflffiTitF.

bradcets t& side jamb close enoosh to

between,
and
(b) insert sheet explosive charge snugly between stud
jamb.
PIbcb electric blasting cap in charge, and faeten one
leg wire to top bracket.
jamb.
(d) Bore pull wire hole at proper spot inside
twiat
on
an tnsglattd
Cut other leg wire long enough to
Utop should
wire
hole.
over
pull
loop on one end and fit

<a)

AtUch metal
wedge two

flaahliffht l>atlerie5

inch in diameter,
be about
Iwp on one end of leg wire and
uninsulated
Twidt
on
(f)
secare to lower bracket ao that loop fits over pull wire
hole. Fasten wire to jamb.
Anchor one end of insulated pull wire at proper spot
(ff)
on doof, and thread free end through pull wire hole and
loop fastened to jamb.
other loop
(h) Close door. Fasten free end of pull wire to
to hold

<i)
(J)

it

BQugly ngainst stud.

Check circuit with galvonometer lirat, then

Install batteries between brackets.

<k) Conceal boobylrap.

'

I,.'-"'

6i

43,

Slrutturgl

Framework

a huildioe oharges shoul<^ be placed where detonation will

seriously impair its atructiiral strength, i^uth aa walls^ qhitnnoyB,
a,

Iti

beamsn and columns. CharKea and firing devices must bq carefully

concealed to avoid detection.
b- In bcMjbytrapping load-bearing walla, severaf diarges should
be laid to detonate simultaneausly near the base. Chimneys and
fireplaces are difficult to loobytrap for charges plated there are
readily delected. These should detonate from intense heat.

c. Beams and columns v/h&t

they collapse cause much more
damage than walls because they bear much more weight,
(1) In wooden beams, holej< for concealed explosives should be

bored close enough tug-ether fnr sympathetic detonation.

delay firing device and detonator placed in a hole
within the built espJosive charge should suffice. Buildingg
of masonry and gleel construction may also be Loobytrapped with delay rhargeSr The difficulty of the job depends often on the interior finish, type of decoration,
heatiuff ducts, air conditioning, and type of floors.
(2) A column may be destroyed by a charge buried below
ground level at its base. Although heavy delay charges
like these are often consiJerecf mines, they are shown
here because they may be found in boobytrap locations.

An Ml

*^

17

WOOD
PLlXiS

Ml 0CL4V
FIRING
DEVICE

COaHTE COLUMfJ

CON

TMT IIOClTl

Looae floor boards aometimes are excellent objects for boobyThe rigsiuR" must escape detection, however; otherwise,
it will he inelFei'tive. Thia rigging might hp
harder ta detect if the
support iniderneath is chiseled out to let the floorboard amk
about Y4, inch when tramped on.
d.

trapping^

double deiay chain detonatitiir boobytrap should

be very
timed riffht and skiJlfully laid. iF-jra^ia(j,e explosive
of a
minor charge laid in an upper story daniaginK
the building only
slightly. Then, after a curious crowd has gathered,
a second heavy
charge or series of chargea go i>ff, seriously damaging or
destroying the building and kilfing or wounding many onlookera.
e.

effeclJv,? if

W^

44.

Furnhhipgs

Interior

Vacated buifdinKs providp much opiiurlunity for Injobytrapping.

Hurriedly departing ornipanls usually Ipavp behind such odda and
ends as desks, mias eases, cookinj: utensils, table itnns, ru3, lamps,
and furniture. Electriii liRht and power fixtures are also exploitable.
a. Desk. Btcauae of its constmctitin a desk ia easily boobytrapped. If carefully placed the rigging may be nondetectablc and if
properly' constructed, cannot be neutralized, RIectric firing systems
are the jnost suitable for this purpose. Sheet eKplosivq is much
better than other tj'pes, because it? aiJhesLve surface holds it
firmly iri place. Check the circuit with a galvonometer b^.fore installing the batteries.

BUiaTINa

h. Office

Equi}iment

Many

itenns used in oflices

have boobytrap

potential-

(1)

Tdeyhon^ list !iTider.

(a) Hemove contents from finder.
(b)
tc)

Assemble alieet explosive, shrapnel, and blasting cap.

of wires and twist tn

Remove insulation from ends

form Inop Kwitchr

Place boobytrap in finder so that the raising of the

lid drawa the loops together.
(e> Insulate inside of case from contact with loops with

(d)

friction tape.

7D

check

(f)

circuit

with gaivsnometer

first,

then inatflU

batteriea.

Mote, Batteries
ping:

them

may

be connected to IcgwirM by wrap-

tightly in place

with

friction tape.

eaiTERiES aouriD
IN

CONIACI

WlTrt FBItTlCW

TAPE

<2)

A wooden card file can be bof>bytrapped

by the use of a mousetrajj rigged as a trigger,
a standard base with blasting cap attached, a support
block fastened msida to hold the firing asaembly at the
proper level for operation, and a trifffier block to hold

Curd Fik.
effectively

the trigsi^r in

armed

poidtion.

Rig wire trigger of mousetrap with screw and

motal
^.^

strip.

(b) Locate support block on strips at proper level to

trigecr in trigger block.

Bore hole

flx

support block at proper pJace to admit

and blai^ting cap so thai sheet metal
screw wiJi strike percussion cap.
(d) Insert explosive, then support block with mousetrap,
standard base, and blasting cap in pi>sitioiir
Haise trigger and close lid so that trigger is fixed in
in

atiindard base

firing position.

STANDARD
east

SUPPORT
BLOCK
1/4" THICK

G.

Eleciric Iron.
(1>

Remove bottom

(2)

Inaert birlk explosive

(3)

Attach shortened leg vrires to power

pl^ite.

and

electric hlaating cap,

aUUK OR
SM&EI
C<PLDSlWE

72

inJet,

d.

Teakettle.
(1)

Assemble sheet PHplosive,

electric blaatiTi^

cury element in teakettle,

(2) Cheek circuit with galvanometer

first,

cap end mer-

then instaH bat-

tertea.

may be bound tightly in circuit with friction

For safety and ease of asEemhly, use a wrist watch delay

Note. Batteries
tape.

la circuit (para Gdd),

BtTTEFfrES

SJIEET
E>!PLDSIVE
BATTtFJES
IN

OUND

COMT*CT

WITH TAPf
FJIItTION

TAPE

e.

Preaaure Cooker.
(1)

AjitidisturbfLncE circuit

Aissemble aheet explosive, mercury element, and eleccap in cooker,

(b) Check circuit with EJdlvanometef firgt. then install
(fl)

tric blasting

batteries.

Note, Batteries may be bound tightly in circuit with friction

tape. For aafety and ease of assembli', use a wrist watch delay
in circuit {purnQOd}-

iNEET

C'"'"''^^^^

/.

Radiif

a;?aenibling

The

leg

Tetfviaioii SpU. Buth set? may be boobytraped by

a charge and an electric Llanlm^^ i;:ip inRide the oase.
a.jid

wires are connected in the circuit for detonation at turnmR

of ofE-on switch.

Extreme care ia required

mature eKplosion.

in connecting leg wirea to prevent pre-

ON-OFF SWITCH

OFF -ON
SWITCH

g.

Be Two methoda may be Lded d diargcn

and p^I]^ tiring device or a charge,

cap, and a mercury switcii Ejlement.
capH

(1) Nonelect-riG riffging.

(a) Assemble jmll wire.

Ml

nonelectric blMting

batteries, electric blasting

pull firing device, blaating

and sheet explosive cliarge.

(b) Aiiclior pull wire 50 that a person
bed wiil initiate firing device.
cap,

(c)

Conceal Iwobytrap,

sitting or lying

on

CRIrtPCPfi

&>PLQlVE

sru
PIfU.

WIKE

^^tf^
Ml PIAL fiBlHS
Dfivite

{2} Electnc

/"

PROTECTIVE
CAP

NCWILECririC

SHRAPF'tL

eL4^TING CAP

j-iifffing.

electric blasting

(a)

Assemble sheet explosive charge,

cap, and mercury pleiuent.

(b)

Checkcircgitwithgalvannmetei-,
Flace boobytrap on bed to initiate
position is disturbed.

(c)

(d) Install batteries in i;ircuit

friction
(e)

tape

when

by wrapping

ita level

tightly with

Coiiceal boobytrap.

Note. For safety and ease of aaaembiy, use a wrist waLch delay
in circuit (parafiOri).

SHEET
EXPLOSIVE

SHRAPNEL

ELECTfiiC
eLa&TtN*] CAP

7&

Chmra and

may be boobylrapped noneleclfieally

/ above. For nonelectric figging the MlAl
pressure Tiring device, nonelectric blaating cap and sheet explosive
charge are probably the moat suitable. The sofa becauj of its aiae
ahouid h^vc more than one rigging. If the electrical method ia uaed
the circuit should be teRted with the jfalvanojuetEr before the battenea aire imtaUed.
h.

and

i.

Sofaa. These

electrically as in

Book.

A buuk with an attractive cover ia

aure to Invite exam-

ination.

(I)

Cut hole

JQ

book large enough to accommodate the

rig-

ging.

mercury

{2)

Assemble sheet explosive,

element, and ahrapneL

(3)

Test circuit it?ith galvo-nonteter firaty then

Secure batteries in circuit by wrapping tightly with fric-

(4)

electric blaating cap,

tion tape,

^I'PAPHEL

I
}

M.-

.J

ij

a
7B

r><^^Ei.

-^'.

'

''<

SKNan
45.

III.

TERRAIN

_^

HJflhwriyt, Trnilt, ai>d Palht

Bcflbytrapa useJ

roads are a Rrnflt help in slowins dawn

enemy treffli:, cspei^ially If they are laid in and arnund other obalructions. Those plattd on paths and trails are excellent against vaiding parties that mnat operate under cover of darkness.

A6.

a.long:

tataliitpf

Boohytrapg in roadway obat>'uctionE should be cgncealed on the

enemy aiile. If the ubi'trui^tion ia heavy, requiring force to remove
it, boobytrapa tonrealed underneath will increase
itg effectivenesa.
Fragmentation ehar^ea are very destructive agatnat peraonnel.
These include hand grenades; bounding antijjersonnel miiiea with
their own special fuaea actuated by preaagre or trip wire; ordinary
explosive charges covered with piecea of atrap metal, nai la, gravel,
lengths of wire, nuta and bolts; jind the like. The latter may be
actuated by any nf the standard firing devices
by pressure,
preflsure-reiease, puh-release, and pulJ.
rt.
The jet of the M2A8 shaped f^harge from the roadside directed
into a moving vehicle is very destrLH:tivc.
(1) Assemhje an M3 pull-release Tirmg device and detonator,
length of detonating cqrd, priming adapter, and nonelectric blasting cap,

(2)

Drive anchor stake in berm at side of road and attach

pull wire. Drive st-ike

on other side

to

or lay
support pull

log, stone, or other object

wirt; at

proper height

ofF

ground,
(3)
(4j

Attach firing device assembly to itake at proper poaition.

Fix shaped tharire jn position to direct explosive ]et mto
vehiclewhenfrout wheels hit trip wire.
79

'

(G)

Attach free

rncJ

of pull wirt in hole in winch

and draw
~

taut,

(6)

Kcreiv prJininR adapter

and

nonelertric blasting fap in

iKreade^l cap well.

(7)
(R>

Conceal booby trap.

Arm

firing devirr.

Note: Cone

nmy

be

;i

filled

with fragTuents.

ANCHOR
STAKE

*Mft3
SHAPED

'i

CHARGE

PRI^IING

ADAPTER

NON-ELECTRIC
BLASTING CAPS

DETONATING CORD
TAPED HERE

M3 PULL-RELEASE
FIRING DEVICE
BO

b. An M3 shaped charge boohytrap placed overhead in n tree in

a wooded area wilL deatruy both tank, and crew if located properly.
Trip wire, being very thin and camoufloagft-colored, is nut ejisily
detected by a driver.
(1) Assemble two tiring: devicea (only one may he necessary)
^vith detonators and len^s of detonating tord ajid S

detonating cord primer.

(2)

Attach firing asaemblies and Mi shaped charge in position

in tree, bo that when the vehicle contacts the crip wires,
the eKploflivo jet will penetrate the crew compartment.

(S)

Arm

biKihytrap,

-[tTOniTIW CORD
f*PED 10

\ BPflHCME^

Hi PliU. PIPING DEviCt^

CORD PRIUEP

\nan-ti.ECTni[

Nlj^^*P5

-NONtLECTRIC
^Sft-ir

DETm4Ti>Jli CCiRD BiHaNCiiE^

PBOTKTIVE CAPS

WITH WJH-ELECTRn; BUSTINQ

CAPS TAPEa HEPE

c. Boobytrapg Jaid in and along a narrow path may prove a

delaymg or frustrating obalatles to foot troops. Theae niaj tie
improvised ^hrapnol charges with a pressure- release firing: device
cuncealed under a stone, piece of wood, or other object, or with a
pull or pull-release firing device and a trip wire- The latter would

he very effective against patrolo.

M^ PRESSURE -RE LEASE

PIRIWG HEVICE

47.
a.

SpAftdl LarciHan*

Abandoned serviceable or repairuble items are fr;uently

boobytrapped

time and eijuipnu^iit are available. F3veii unservicebe rjgrged against scavangerg who may aearch
through tho wreckage for upf^tul chinga.

able items
b.

if

may

Abandoned ammunition should be exploited

mum.

CHiaindetojiaticiTiHof connected

torpedo are ijarticularly effective.

92

mines or

to the

Fe(:tioTi5

maxi-

of bangalore

0. Boobytraps are applirabfe to atorajfe are^s where materials

cannot be removed or deatrnyed. Several chftrBes strategicaiiy laid
will prove very rewarding, A lumber pile provides excellent concealment for an pxplosive rigging, fihest explosive may be used in

many

where TN'T ia iiupractiea!, becnuge of its aize ^nd

Here again chain detonations of explosive l>lticka and bangalore torpRdos will do extensive damage, if the firing methanism
ia properly located and cunningly fonoealed.
piflces

shape.

M3 PUL|-fElEA5E
FIPIfK

DCVtCE

TNT BLOC*

TNT

eUKKS

I.

n.

Ahandontd VvhklHi
Truck Wheel
(1)

Insert

len^h

of heavy wire in intercpptor hole in firinB

device.

(2)
(3)

Rcmovt safety pm and replate with lenpth vf thin wiceBend both wirea slightly to prevent falhng out.
Aasembte stflndflrd base, nonelectric blasting cap, and
ficinK de^'ice.

Aaaemble two a-block explosive charges, nonelectric blasting caps, priming adapters, and length of detonating cord,
(&) In hole prepared under truck wheel, assemble bearing
blocks (take weight off cKplusive charge), charges, bearing board, protective blocks (take weight off Tiring
(4)

device)

and

firing device-,

(6)

Arm

(7)

Cover boobytrap, and camoulflage.

Hli

firing device,

THIN SfiFETV WIRE

PRESSuRE-ftElEASE

RHINO KVICE
PROTECTIVE

hONELECTHIC
aUSni^G CAP

^---.
"

W'

T*0

E>fPLOSrU

SLOCK& Oh
EACH SIDE

LENGTHS
DETQWaTIMIj CORD
TAPED TO NONELECTRIC

BLASTING CAP

Mntiyr. The fan belt is an excelkut anchi>r fur a piill wir?. The
wire will be muth harder to dett if anchored underneath the
bottom pulley, from where it may be txlended any length, to the
liriuf device and chargeb.

pull

-TAUT
WIRE

iS

A useful combination iaacharee primed with

cap
with clamps attathed to the leg wires. This
an elcctrii^ blasting
by turning on the ignition switch,
attachud
to
detonate
may be
engaging the starter, braking, and the like.
c.

Ekclnc System.

HARQE
d. Body. Another combination useful in rigging a seat or any
other part of the vehicle body is a tharge detonated electrically bymeans uf a. mercury switch element.
(1) Assemble charge, electric blasting cap, and mercury

element,
Place boobytrap in position and checli circuit with a galvanometi'r,
(S) Attach batteries in circuit by wrappinR tightly with fric(2)

tion tape.
Noil-.

Always check

circuit before attaching batteries,

a amaJ] p^ckjge for use in a

seat cuahion or separated for -convenience for another location
in the body of the vehicle.
Thifl

ringing

may be assembled in

CHARGE

SHEET
EXPLOSIVE

CHAPTCS 5

MrSCELLANEOUS BOOBrTRAPS
Sedion
49,

Tacfical

1.

STANDARD BOOBrTRAP^

Uh

In World War 11, every major power mflnufactured boobytraps

to use against the enemy. Most of them were charged imftations
of
uaeful objects, ivhii:h

them. The defect

maimed or killed helplKi's soldiers that hand led

cummon to all standard booLytraps however, is

that after the first or second explosion, all others of the same
type
ineffective. A "one-shot'' job hardly justifies production

become
costs.

50.
a.

f^oraJgn

The

^vp'^
Soviets used

more standard boobytrapa

than any other combatant.

in

World

War

II

weird assortment of charged imit*tiOTis of item.s iRsued tu German aofdiers

were dropped from Soviet
planesr Some of the;;? were:
Cartridge boxes, apparently filled with ammunition, containing high explosives and detonators.
(2) Bandage packets containing detonatora and shrapneh

(1)

(3)
(4)

Bandage caaea with Red CroMs insignia riRgcd as mines.

Rubber bails, about twice the size of a fiat that detonated
upon impact.

(5|

Silver-Erey light mrUJ boxes or flasks that exploded

the lid waa raided

(6)

Cognao

(7)

when

bottieg filled with incendiary liquid,

Small red flags marked with an
and attached to minea
that detflnated when the flag was removed.

Imitation earth-grey cofored frogs that detonated when

pre^bed on,
fJ) Flashlights tontaining high explosive which detonated
when the switch was moved.
(10) Mechanii^al pencils, watches, cigarette cases, cigarette
(3)

lighters, salt cellars,

wlien hand led

and aimilar items that detonated

b. Knowing the German interest in books, the Soviets

prepared
a book boobytrap. The charge inside detonated when the cover was

raised.

87

MAIN CMAROE
\

DETOHATOft

&flTTRY

WIPE LOOPS

PiGES

CLJf

ChAFf^JE

nuT TO RECEIVE
FIRING DEVICES

Argi)

c. The BrJtIah also had a bcwk boobytrap: but

more complicated than the Soviet vcrj^ion, above.

it

wap

i^liEhtly

INSULATING WEDGE
FASTENED
BAt* CF ^EIF

-licit*!

MH3LITI5N

SVKK

ELECTRIC CAP

BATTEIT

d.

AU
(1)

were used by the enemy.

wa^ rigged with a charge and an elertrid
detonator powered and actuated tiy the original dry cell
battery iswitchn and circuit.

florta

of dirty-trick devices

flasliliKht

(2)

Bottles designed to look like liqiroc boUles wdri^

filkd
with a liquid explosive detonated by r pull-friction fuze

attached to the cork.

(3)

foujitJ^in pen. thnugh very ftiljiII, was rigged ivith

an
c:4plosive dmr^i-, a apring: drivtrh striker to fire n percussion cap, and a detunator.

FRICTIOM

FUZE
N.
EXPLOSIVE
LIOUID

CHARGE
PERCUSSION

CAP
RELEASE

(i)

The Japanese manufEi(rtured a jiipe boobytrap with a

charge, detonator, and spring-loaded striker.

ENPLOSfVE

The

(5)

Italifliib

had a boobi-trapped headset rontaining an

eiectric detonator i-minected to the terminals

TheconnectitnioftheheadFi^tintothp

live

on tht back,

communication

line initiated deionation,

POW DEFIED EXPLOSIVE

PaCKED
DETONATOR

AFfCJOND

DETONATOR
WIPE LEADS

DETONATOR WIRED TO
TERMINALS AFTER THE
DIAPHRAM IS REMOVED

The Germans converted their own and enemy standard

canteens into booby traps. The explosive charge was
detonated i'y a pull fui^c -ind a pull wire ronni?rtrd tii the

(6)

When partially Ulled witli water and placed Jn itg

canvas case, it was very deceptive. The canteen boobytrap had an elte4;l:ve radcus of 3 to 5 yatda.
cap.

CANTEEN
PULL

lU

WATER

MAIN CHARGE
90
I

'I.

FULL FUZE

DETONATOR

n) Another German device was the boobytrap

whittle. This

consisted of a poliiiemfln's or referee's whiatlc with a

charge and a metal ball covered with a layer of fricLion

compoundr Blowing the whistle moved the

the friction

compound and

bailn

igmting

detonating: the charge.

VIBRATING BALL

MADE OF
FRLCTIOU MATERIAL

CHARGE

COMPOUND

(8)

The German Peters candy bar boobytrap waa ingenious

The explosive charge, fuze, and thin canvas pull
device were covered with <Jiocolate.
indeed.

CANVAS

t^

S*erlDn

IMPROVISATIONS

IngtnuHv

51.
a.
II,

II.

ThMugh

World War
dan^rous mia-

informntioTi on militflry operations in

the U.S, floldier has been well-prepargd for the

and disarming boobytraps in conventional

ia virtually a novice in comparison with
the cijnnmg and ingenious present day ^uerrilJa, who at the start
wag almost totully lucking in nidtirrial and equipment,
b. Experience haa shown that in guerrilJa warfare, carried on
by illy-equipped native populations, boobytrapping success depends
sion of laying, detecting:,

warfare. However, he

now

largely on

ing:enuity. Explosive, a necessary element, is either

improvised from commercial ingredients or captured from the
enemy. Captured mines, ammunition, and other aimilar material
are disassembled and every ounce of exploaive saved.
53.

Training

Every aoldirr ahould have snme training in the lessons learned

from the guerrillas, for many items they have improvised and the
way they have uaed them are alao applicable to conventional warfare. With Mttleeffort, a soldier maybetrainedflo that with no military equipment whatever but with ample funds, he may prepare
himself to fight effectively witli materials available from merchants,
junk piles, and salvaee.
3.

AppllcotEnn

The improvisations included in this section are gathered from

numerous sources. Some may have wider application to boobytrap-

How the guprrilla may use them, however, is

unpredictable. All are presented to stimulate initiative and arouse
enthusiasm to out-do backward -enemy peoples in devising and
ping than others.

placing boobytraps and to develop a higher level of proficiency

than ever before in their detection and removal.
54.
o.

Improviiad Time Fuza and Eicploiivv CofM

Fast huming fuse (^0 inches per minute).

(1)

97

Braid three

len^ftha of cotton string togeUier,

powder to form a paste, Rub paste into

twisted string with fingere ajid allo^ to dry. If a powder
is not available, mix 25 parts potassiuni nitrate (salt'I peterl in nn pqual amount of water and add S parts pulverized charcoiil and 2 parts pulverized sulphur to form

(2) Moiateu fine black

a paste. Rub paste Jntn twisted

(3)

strinft

to dry-

Checl^ burning rate before uaing.

Siivf>uming fuse {2 inches per miitiiti:}

h.

and allow

Wash

three lengths of string or three shoelaces in hot

soapy water and rinse(2) Dissalve 1 part potassium nitrate Or potassium chlorate
and 1 part grsTiulated sugar in 2 parts hot water.
(8) Soak string ur shoelaces in solution and braid three
atf-anda together. Allow to dry.
Cheok burning rate,
Beforeuaing, coat several inches of the end to be inserted
into cap or materjflj to be ignited 'nvilh black powder
(1)

paste (a (2) above).

\ Electric BfjiaUng Co^^
(1)

With

file-or

other instrument

mahe

hole in end of light

bulb.

(2)

If jacket is not aveiiable, solder or securely fasten

two

wires to bulb one on metal threads at side and other

at metal contact on bottom.
{8) Fill bulb and empty portion of bla.'sting cap with black
powder. Tape blasting cap on top of bulb.

^=^
J -^I7<

^fllCTIDN

TiPE

PeriyjissionCap Agngmbty.

d.

Remove

(1|

projertilp,

but not powd*!V, from small arms

cartridge.

Tape nonelectric

{2)

hlqatinff cap securely in cartririfr#r

C3
&M01_L ARMS

BLASTIW CAP

CflHTfuDflF

FRICTION TAPE

S3,

Firing

Pul4

Dvi>

Tube and Btriket

a.

Assemble

^sprin^, ^strilcer shaft

tiilh>,

aoft w-iHjd or metEkl top plug, pull

pivi,

wHIi holp or with hex nut,

and improviseci perru^iion

cap asgembly.
Note. Always flasemble "iring device before attaching the improvised percussion cap assembly.

-^f^

MOf^ ELECTRIC

BLASTING CAP

IMPR0\'ISED

PtRCU^SION

05

CAP
BLACK POWDER

--l..

'<

-,

>i>
f

&.

-S&
CUtUsPin.
(1)

Wrap
to

(2)

stripped enda of leg wires around clothes pin jaws

electrical contact-

make

Assemble charge, adapter,

electric

blasting cap,

and

clothes pin.
(3)
(4)

Insert
wirp,

wooden wedge, anchor

Check

circuit with galvonometer jirst, then connect bat-

t*fiea.

clothes pin, and install trip

""^
AtWPTEn.

TltT

WEDGE

Trip Lever tiwi

(1)

PvU

Pin.

Flat placemt-tit.
AsppTnble container, charge, improvised pull firing derice
{a above) and triplever.

CMABOE
cohirAirjEn

(2)

SUrping plaentripni.

Assemble

{a above)

liontainer,

and stake.

charge, improvised

firijig

device

5/6.

a.

Divlui
Mechaniail Concussion.
PratnirH Firing

''

Force striker into hole in pressure hoard.

Insert woi>d or aoft metal shear pin in shear pin hole.
(3) Assemble striker, metal tube, and improvised blaatiug

(1)

(2)

cap (ppra n4)

.7"

WET4iL TUBE

a
^TBiKtp

^^Am

>

COPPft
SHEAR PIN

0=:

IMPROVISED

J GLaSTIN& CAP

V
-rp.

b. Electrical.

(1)

Lever arm.
(fl) Attach contact blocks to ends of wooden levers.
(b) Assembly woinien levers, rubber atrip, and plastic
sponge.
(c)

(2)

Attach leg wire fontacta.

Flezibk

Bide-

Attach metBl contact plates to bearinK loards.

(b) Thread leg wirea through hole^ in lower bearing
board and attach to contact plat*s.

(a)

(c)

Attach

flexible Rides.

t*

LOWf>
BEamNO
KlAFID

<:CN14CT PLATES

VI

mm

Springed pTpasure board.

<K)

()

Assemble m^s\ cootacts, springs, bearing board,

{b)

and'presaure board,
Attach leg wires to metal contiLctSr

FLECTFfIC

BL4STI4a CAP

laTTQW

waaus
(4)

BLoor

WoodeTi piunger.

(b)

Assemble box, loavrn^ one side open.

Assemble ccmtact palate and three apacin^ blocks

(c)

Drill holes in spacing block for leg wires.

(a)

inside box.

pluiiger, met-il releaae, contact block,

metal contact, flnd c^oiiLact screw.
(e| Threfld Ipr wire throutrh holc^ in Bpacing blwlt and
attach lo coiitflcts-

I-I

(d)

A^fi^mhle

(a)

Attich metal cont;ict to wcMjden contact block.

{b)

Assemble contact

tilock

and

nielal contact, brackets,

plunder, and wooden box Jid.

(c) Bore hole in side of box for leg wirca.
(d> Thread leg wires through hole in boK.
(e) Attach one leg wire to plunffer^ the other to metal

metal

relea^'^f,

contact
Note, Ratteries

may

be placed inside box

if

necessary-

WCCDEq PUlNGErr

WOCCEn UD

METAL RELfdSE

BLDQt

57.

TanEFon-R*lee Firing De^Jea

Attach stripped ends of circuit wires to enda of clothes pin to

form contacts. Attach taut trip wires below contacts.

100

Praure-Relea

5B.
a.

"

it'll

Double Contact.
(1)

Bore holes

in lop ol

mine body

to

ateommodato long

conWLCtJi.

Assemble prespure ho^rd,

and metal coiilEicts.
(3) Atlach circuit wires.
(2|

coil springs,

wgnden contact

LuEird

MINE
BODY

METAL
CONTACTS
PRESSURE
BOARD
b.

SPRlfJGS

Clothes Pin.
(1)

Attach stripped ends of circuit wiraa to cJothes pin to

make
<2)

coiitatta,

Place mine on top, keeping- contacts apart.

STRIPPED E'^OS

A
CIRCUIT winr

CIRCUIT

c.

Bottom FUinppT.

bottom of mine case to admit plunger.

Bore ho]<?
metal contact nver hole.
Attech
lovh'er
(2)
Assemble mine, pressure block, upper metal contfljit,
and nonifletallic plunger(II

(4)

Attflfh circuit wires.

METAL
PRESSURE BLOCK

d.

Mousetrap.

(1(

Mechanical
See para 44 b {2)

(2)

Eltctricat
is.)

Hemove

(b)

Assemble

(c)

Place weight on

tria:gering devices

from mousetfapn

and circuit wires.

with striker in armed position^

trap, contact plate,

to-p

CIRCUIT

WIRE

WEIGHT

STRIKER

59.
0.

Anti-Lift

DtflcH

i'

'-.

-.'

Loop Contactbottom of mine to admit jmsulatc'] I'ull wire,

Aasembl* plunjfqr^ metal relpa^e, and contact plate.
(3) Attach circuit wires and bare loop to plunder contact and
11)

Drill hole in

(2(

contact plate.
(4)

Thread authored mauiated trip wire through holes In

bottom of mine and contact plate and attach to bare IcKjp.

<;,

Slidinf! Cniitacl.

Asaemble mptal cap,

(1)

noiiinetallic tube or cartifn, sliding

contact, wooJeii plug, and \'.-g v-'ircf at cuntiictB.

Check circuit V'if'h 1 gaivuTionttter fir.'ft. then connect batteries with friction tape.
Tnstflll

assembly in tube.
WQODf N PHIQ

NQN METALLIC
TUBE OH CaHCW
\

-METAL CfiP

SLIIJ1W&

BOLT

PirCF OF

Ufl

METAL
SATTEHlES

CZ3C

BATTERIES

ELECTRIC BLAfiTINQ CAP

Oeldy

60.
u.

Firing Devitei

Ciaurtltt! Timet.

Test Ijurnin:^ rate of time fuze aJid cigarette. (A cigarette usually bums at the rate of 1 inch in 7 to 8 minutes.)
(2) Cut slopin>' end on length of timp fuze.
(3) Aaaemble sloped end of time fu^e, match head, and cigar-

U)

(Ttte.

STRING

CIG&RETTE
MJlTCH

HEAO

MATCH

TIME
FUSE
&,

Drifd

Sccrf

Timer.

(1) Determint? expansion rate of I'^eeds.

(2) Plate in jar and add water.
(3) Assemble jar, lid, circuit wires, metal contBcta, and metal

disk and secure with fricrtion tape.

104

CIUCUII WISES

.,

TFflCTIQK

TAPE

1^?^

>'

*-"

VltD

hElAJ DISK

BtAhf^, Pt4),

LfMTILS

CF

OTHEir

[>-

ff.

Alarm Cloch Timers.

(a)
(b)

Note

Assemble baae. metal contacts, and alann dMkTie knot in one end uf strmR. Thread other end
through metal c:ont^icts and attach tu alarm winding
ylem, which winchea string and cJosea circuit.

An ;iljirm clock, being

many other vasys.

ji

very versatile delay^

may

be con-

nected in

CLOCK ATTACHED
TO BASE

SOFT METAL
CONTACTS

KNOT

CIRCUIT

WIRES

ALARM WINDING
STEM
Pi'L

iM

(2)

Nonelectric.
<fl)

i-

Drill hole tn

__ _

board of proper siie to hold

fltflndard

base tightly.
(b)

Remove aUndard

safety pin from firing device and

removed pin.
cap from at^ndaTd baae and
(c)
crimp on noneketlric bUating cap.
(d> Screw standard base with blasting cap into firing
replace "'ith easily

Remove

protective

device.
(e|
(f)

Assemble alarm clock .and firing device on board.

Attach one end of lengrtb of string to eye in safety
pin and the other to alarm winding atem, which
wincliefl string and removes safety pin.

Wi PBESSUPt-RELEflSE
FiniMG DEVICE

ALARM
WlhJmNG

PTOTECTIVE

STEM

car"

Wrist Watch Timer.

d.

(1)

One-hour delay or lesg.

(b)

PriH small hole in plaatic crystal and attach circuit

wire with screw of proper length to contact minute
hand,
*

Attachothercircuilwiretocaae.
(2) Twelve-houT lUfay or lese.
(b)

(a)

lOd

Remove minute hand.

and attach

circuit

(b>

Drill small hole in plaatic crystal

Ic)

wire with screw of proper length to contact hour

hand.
Attach other circuit wire to case,

M-'l

Bqmbi

6i.
tL

Pipe Bomhs(1)

Grenadt!.
(a)

(b)

Drill hole in cap or plu^ to

Crimp

admit lengih of time

noneiectcic blaatine cap to length of time

fuze.
(c)

Adsemnle

pipe, capa or plug^i, time

fgw

primer, and

explosive charKe.
CAP
PLUG

LCNGTH Of PIPE

(2) Anti4isturbance hotnlj.

(fl)

Drill hole in

fuze to
(b)

Attach

end

electric

admit length of burnt time

look like a "dud."

ta.p to

make a bomb

cap and mercury elenient on

Test circuit with ffalvonometer

batteries with ftiction tape,
(d) Atfiemble bomb.
(c)

first,

base.

then connect

Caution:

If po^sililo, assemble bomb in places, as the mercury

when disturb&J, may cause premabiire pxplnsion. To assemble more s-^My and easily, attech wrist watch timer in circuit.

element,

107

ShEET
FVPLOHVt

(3)

Shor^jfim b'jmb.

(a)
'

Cipse one end of pipe with hammer, alkiwinp itpcning for detonutinfi cord primer ov electric blasting
Cap.

(b)

Remove

pi-oteetive

puJI firing: device

cap from

MlAl

and crimp on

pressure or

Ml

nonelectric bIn-sting

cap.
(c)

Screw ataiidard base with blasting cap

into firing

device.

Assemble pipe, shrapnel, wadding, explosive, nonelectric primer nr electric blasting cap (for cijntrolled firing) and proper firing device.
Note. The force of the explosive and the strength of the pips are
important in caEculating the size of the charge.
(d)

ff-

PIPE

1M

DDINQ

Hawhm

WADCHrfi

E'CLCSiVE
PLASTIC TNT OH BLACK

PT'lKX.ft

:^-^-;>^-ift^^^^j

^ grapnel'

WESSUffE

FIHIhJG

DEVK6

I
ELECTRIC FIRIHO
CeWhCE

Jl

*
B^CTRIC BLASTING

Nail Grenn^d^..
Attach nails to top and sides of charge by means of tape or strine.
Under certain conditions, nails may be required on only two sides,
or even on une iide.
b.

=1

PRIMING

ADAPTER

DETONATING

FWM

CORD
FiFtlHG

DEVICE

c.

Ddny Bomb,
(1)

_ ^

Ti

ChcmicQi ddaa.
la)

Trimp

eap nn base of appropridelay firing device.

A.'^spmblr fiririE device and charge in packajr^r
ate

(b)

nonelectrii; tiia.stinff

Ml

Crush

i-opiier end -of finny device ivith fingers.

Place packajfe in suiKase or container.
Note. Use this boml) only when delay is necessary but accuracy
second^iry, a?, thr dplriy time of any chemical firing device varies

(c)

Id)

fa

considerably .according to temperature.

109

STRING

ALARM WINDING
SYSTEM

d.

CHARGE

Envelope Bomb.
(1) Cut kg wires of

make

''I

electric blasting:

cap of proper length to

cireuiL

(2)

Strip insiilation off ends of circuit wires and twist into

14-inch ItKjps to make li>op switrli,

(5)

Test circuit with aalvonometer ^rat, then attach batteries.

Aasemble cardboard base, balterids, electric blasting cap,

and ex.ploi'ivr a_s parkaE<^.
{B Attach one end of string to loop ^svilch so that it wiJl
puil the bared loops togpther to dose circuit,
(6) Cut hole inside of envelope under flap.
(7) Fix package in envelope firmly and thread string through
(4)

hole.

(a)

Attach string

(y)

Close envelope with elastic band.

lirmlj'

but concealed to und^rai^e of

flap.

ELASTIC BAND
:STRETCH AROUHD ASSEMBLY)

^1
I

WALLET TYPE ENVELOPE

CAPDBCARD BASE

"'^TV^?^
^
II
I

'

NO. 91? BATTERIES

ELECTRIC BLASTING CAP

SHEET EXPLOSIVE

STRING

LOOP
SWITCH
111
"r

ATTACH
STHING TO

UNOER^DE
OF FLAP

Hot ShrapTid Bomb.

e.

Remove

(1)

protortive i:apfrcarL gtandard base and crimp on

nonelectric Lkstiitg oap,

Ml

(2)

Screw base with cap

(S)

Crimp nonelectric blaatin? cap on one end of Ipngth of

detonating: cord, and inst^ill in Claymore mine.

in

pull finnK device.

(5)

firinfi device to detonatinjr turd with tape.

Assembl(^ Claymore mine with priming: and firiiij? accesaories and drum of napalm.

(6)

Arm firing device.

Attach

(4)

CLQiVDRf ViNf

TRIP

MRC

^
^NONEL-ECTPlC
Ml PULL
FIRING

DEVICE

6LASTFNG CAP

PROTFCTlVE
CAP

i^*

h
CRIMPERS

f.

RicF
(1)

Paddy Bomb.
Remove protective cap from standard base and crimp on
nonelectric blasting cap.

(4|

Screw standard base with cap into Ml pull tlrmg device.

Assemble -lirinH device, detonating cord, priming adapter,
nonelectric bla^tjnir cap, and explosive charge.
Attach charEetodrumof napalm.

(o)

Arm

(2)
(3)

111

"

firing device.

^1

55 GAL

WPALM

TAPE

U^T.

I
J

?^^!.^
BASE

\l trip wire

OR
MORTflR

ROUNO
NONELECTRIC
BLASTING CAPS

CPirjPERS
PflDCiV FLCODtO WITH
HJ6" OCTANE SflSOLINf

-j-ti

DRUMS Cf NAPfllhl
SPACED INTEffrtlTIENTLY

*-ii

I}.

Tin
(1)

Boyth
Cut a notched metal contact disk to provide clearance for
lengrth of stiff insulated wire and y^ to Vi in- from walls

Clin-

of can.
(2)

Cut atllf in^iulated wire uf proper lenRth to support disk

and stri]) insiilatyin from both ends. Bend hook on one
end lo hold l>areiiispensnni wire.
'
"
Bend stilf wire to proper ahape.
Assemble f;in, osiilosive, I'ontdct to cun. blaRtiriEr rap.
insulated siippoit wire, -lusijenaion 'Aire ajbd contact di^k.

Check

circuit

with ^alvonometer

fiT-st,

then connect bat-

teries.

113

EtfLOa^
CtPUJSVZ
IBLUCII 0" SHEET

IF(5IILflTID

UPP:*" hire

ELEClFtlC ILAGTlFd Cap

BJlTiHIES

63.
o.

MtaullaneDut Charg
I-mproviafd Shaped Charge.
of thin metal to make COne of SO^ to 60" an^le
snugly into container.
() Place cone in container.
(3) Pack explosive firmly in container to a level uf 2x height,
(4) Attach st-indoffs to set cliarse above target at height of
(1)

Cut

to

j^trip

fit

of cone.

(5)

2x diameter of eone.
Attach blasting' c-ip at rear dead center of charge.

Km

THIN

EiqL

STAMP"
EJPUOSVE

fJOWtLfcTBIC

FVbEB

7-A

tLEmC tLaHTM qj

b.

R&ET

Improvised Antipt-rsonnPsl Mine.

Assemble container, explosive, separator, and shrapnel,

must be poiktd to uniform d^T^ity and thickness (should be "4 weight of shrapnel).
(2) Remove protective cap from standard baae and crimp on
(1>

l!!xpl{}ijivp

TU

nonelectric blasting

Ciip.

Screw standard base with bJaating'c&p

(3)

intcf

proper

firing:

device.

Secure firing device in place.

Fix primer in rear center of esploaive and tape to flring

(4>
(5)

device.

Ann

(6)

firing device.

COHTAINER
METAL, PAPEHj
<

BAMBOO,

ETC.)

SHRAPNEL

-ii^
SEPflSATCK
ICflPOeOAPO, COTTCfJ WADDINGjETC)

EXPLOSIVE

USF
VIA

PRESSURE

r^

-^
TAP HEPE

*^n:^

ftMl PJJ-

SHRAPNEL
PULL - RELEASE
FIRING
[1EVICE5

Of TONATIMG COPD

PRIMER
EXPLOSIVE

n
c.

Platter Charges.
{!)

Assemble cont^tiner, ehnrge, and

weigh same fts platter.

(2)
(S)

Place primer in rear center of charge.

Align cenler of platter -with center of tarjfet thass.

(4)

Attach and arm firing device.

platter. Chflrge should

'

Uf

*l'lM'

NONELECTRIC PRIMER

-y

ELECTRIC BLfiSTir** CAP

=<:

CCffilNER
(METQL, "APtH,
SAMBCO, ETC
J

PLATTER

PLATTER (?-6

CHQPOe

LSI

EUPLCSIVE

Improvised Clayton^.

d.

(1) Allai:h shrapnel to Lvrtipex side of base and rover with

cloth, tape, or screen retainer.
(2)

Place layer of plastic explosive on concavp. aide of baae.

Attach legs to mif^nv'csidt^nftjarie.

(4) Attach electric blasting- cap at exact rear center.
(5) Attach firing device to firing wires at pror>er distante

from mine for safely.

(S)

CONVEK BASE

(TIN.

L
1^TT

n*

TT

LEGS

TT

UETAL,

CAROeOflflD

(O'

PLASTIC EXPLOSIVE
1/4 WT OF SHRAPNEL

HETAINER (CLOTH,
SCREEN. WIRE.
TAPE, ETC.)

EXPLOSIVE

WH

'l>

AND SHRAPNEL'

CHAPTER 6

BOOBYTRAP DETECTION AND REMOVAL

SacKon

I.

CLEARING METHODS

Tpihnrclorrt

63.

and infantry specialists are rp^punaible

for boobytraii detection and remnval. all military organisations aaaianed to combat zone miasiona muat provide trained men Lo assiat
AltliOTigh engineer

a.

them.
b.

If pMsibIc, trained engineer, infantry, or explosive

disposal units will search out

and neutraliie

all

ordnance
boobytraps in front

of friendly troops or prepare safe pasaage lanes. When diaeovered,

boobylraps will either be disarmed immedialelj' or marked by
waminK i'ijri!*- Only the simple ones will be disarmed during attack.

Those more compliratcd will be marked and reported for removal,

c- To avoid capualty, boobytrapped arpaa, especially villages and
other inhabited places, should be bypassed, to be cleared by specialunits will neutralize lioobytraps only
necessary for continued movement or operation,
ists

64.

later.

Tactii:al

whi?n

Ciearonce Team?

Men who

clear boobytraps are OTgaiiized into disposal

tcama and

assigned to specific areas according to their training and experience.

y. Direction and control is the responsibility of the person in
charEO of clearani^e activities, who willU) Maintain a control point near at hand and remain in close
contact with hia clearance parties.
(2) Give assistance to disposal teams whpn required.
(3) Preserve new types of enemy equipment found for more
careful examination by en^rineer intelligence teams.
h. Searching parties will be ^ufTicienl in number to cover an area
promptly, without interfering with each other,
c. In clearing a buildinn, one peraon will direct all searching

parties assigned.
d. Open area clearance will be preceded by reconnais,gance if
the presence of boobytraps is suspected. Once boobytrapa are
found, search must be thorough,
e. Searchinir parties must be rested frequentlyr A tired man,
or one whose attention is attracted elsewhere, is danger to him-

self

5r

and others working with him.

Tooh and Equipment

a. Body Armo-r^ Armor of various kinds is availablfir Special

boota and shoe pacs, also issued, will give greater protection
againat blast than Inxits generally worn.

119

b.

Mine Detectors.
(1) Thrpp mine detectors useful
-

fln? issued;

AN/TRS-J

ized, aural indication

-.-\

th? removal of boobjlfapa

(PtkllySmitli) jind the tr^ngistorin

model, designed fot metal detection

and AH'/PRS-4 for nonmet^llic detection. Of the metal

detectors, the transistorized model ia the lighter and
more powerful All three mcnipls have the same deficiences. They may signal a smalt piece of acrap as well
as a metal-cased eKplo&ive or sicnal an air pocket in the
(2)

soil, e root, or disturbed soil generally.

Operating time phould not exceed 20 minutes to avoid
operator fatigue. Timd operators often become careteas

operators.

Grapnels. TLeae are hooks attached to a length of stout cord

or wire, lonE enough for the operator to pull a mine or Iwiubylrap
from place from a aal'e distance ur from at lea,gt 50 metera behind
c.

cover.

'"'''

d. Frnbes. Lengths of meta! rod or stiff wire, or bayonets, &ri:

good probes for locating buried charges, Searching parties sometimes work with roHed-iip sleeves better to feel trip wirea and
hidden objects.

disposal teams to
e. Ma-rkers. Htaiidaid nmrkqra are carried by
designate the lo<^ation of known boohytraps, pending their removal.

'

"^

Vboob-ih^p?'/

"

'

'

^
i>

".V-

f.

in

l^l.fllMJ
.111'

Tape. Markiufi tape

is

useful for tracing aafe routes and

identifying dangerous arcas.

Toot^. Small items, such as
ff. Hand

naili^n totter pins, pietea of

wire, friction tape, safety pins, pliers, pocket knife, hand mirror,
Bcisaors, flashlight, and screw driver are very useful in booby-

trap clearance,

^^^^

'"'^Tlj

DolBfTioH

66.

a. The most careful obiervalion is required for the detection of

boobytraps. Soldiers must be trained and disciplined to be on guard,
e&pMiftlly when moving uv^y an aren prflviouali' held by the enemy.

not be a^ii^-ned the responi^iliMty for their

detection and clearance, he must be alert for any sign that may
indicate their presence. He must also discipline him&elf to look

Although a soldier

may

carefully for concealed Iraobytraps before performing

of normal

many

acts

life,

Often prisoners of war through interrogation give information on new or unknown boobytrap devices that miiy aid in their
Local inhabitants also often
i den titi cation and handling later on.
provide information on boobytraiia laid in the neighborhood.
is difficult
c. Searclung for boobytrapa and delayed charges
and tedious, particularly when intelligence is lacking or iTiadequate,
The extent of search required, the ea*^e of placing and camoullagb.

and the great number of device? available to the enemy make

clearanee
of all charge;' almost impossible. Searching parties,
the
before being sent out, v.'ih be briefed on all that is knon about
ing,

activitien in the area.

Outdoor Seorihirg Techniques
As boobytraps ace io deadly and as a rule cunningly conceived
and hidden, outdoor searching parties should be suspii^ious of
valuable and useful property.
a. All moveable and apparently
explosive containers,
b. Ah disturbed ground and litter from

enemy
67.

Icf1 behind to attraet or divert attention.

former
camouflage.
Evidence of

c Marks
d.

T2T

intentionally

e. Abrupt chaiiKf^s r>r breaka in the coiilinqfty

of any nbjwt, such
aa ujuifltural appearances of feiicea, paint, vegetution, and dust,

/-

Unnecesfiacy things like nails, wife, Or cord that

may

be part

of a boobytrap,

Unusual marks that may be an enem>- warning of danger.

All olistruotiuna, for IJiey are ideal spoLf for boob^lrapa.
Search carefully brfore liftins ^ stone, moving a Jow hanpinp Jimb,
or pushing ajiirie a broken-dovm '^heelliarrow.
I. Queer imprinta or marka on
a road, which may lead a curious
person til danger,
g.
h.

Abandoneil vphicJes, dugouts,

wells, machinery, bridges, gulur ahandontd atores. Aliio wr-lk otrefnJiy in or around
these aa pressure- release devices are easily concealed under relatively small objects,
J.

liea. defiles,

k. Areas in which boobytraps are not found immedjatefy.

Never
assume witlioul further investigation that entite areas are cfejir.
L Obvious trip wires. The presence of one trip wire attached to
an object does not mean that there are noothers. Searching mugt be

complete.
6e.

Indoor Searching TsfhnlquH

Thode in charge of disposal team? should:

a. Assign no move tlian imp man to a room in a
building.
h. Indicate tlie finding of a lar^e charge by
a prearranged signal. All teams except those reaponsibfe for neutralizing
large
charges must then vacate the building immediately by the original
route of entry.
c. Examine both siiJes of a door before touching ji
knob. Observe
through a window or break open a paneL If doors and windows
must be opened and both sides cannot be examined, use a long rope,

d.

Move

carefully in

to loose Ijoards,

all buildin;?s,

for boobytraps

moveable bricks, carpeta, raised

treads, window locks, or door knobs.

may

be rigged

board*; or stair

c. Never move furniture, pictures, nr similar objects

before
checking them carcfullj'" for reJeai^e devices or pull wires,
f. Never open any box, cupboard door, or dtaiver without careful checking. Sticky doors, drawers, or lids should be iiulled with a
long rope.

Not sit on any chair, sofa, or bed before careful eKamination.

Never connect broken wires or operate switches before checking the entire circuit. Such action may connect power to a charge,
i. Remove all swilth plates and trace all wires that appear
foreign to a circuit. Examine all applia.nres.
j. Investigate all repaired areas. Lookfor arming holes. Enlarge
y.
^.

wall and fiour punctures. Ca\'ilies may be examined by reflecting

beam off a hand mirror. (This is also applicable for
searching under antitank mines.)
^^^
all

flashlight

Empty

k.

move

the

flU fire

i:i>al

hoKeSn

remove the

ashes, check fire woo<l,

and

pile.

Always work from the basement upward. Check, movPj and

mark everything movable including valvea, taps, levers, controla,
acreena, and the like, A clockwork delay may not he heard if it ia
I.

well hidden.

m. I>ouble check basements and first fiiMjrs especially chimney

and ventilator shafts, and insulated dead-iir spaces.
Check atraiffht Huea and shafts by ohscrving from one end against
a light held at the other. Dog-leg flues may be checked by lowering a

flues, elevator

from a aaf e distance.

Guard all buildings until they are occupied,
0. When possible and only after a thorough check, turn on
utilities from outside the building.
brick
Ti.

Note-

all

soldier hy traininu co.n devi^lo^ his sense of dixnger. Also

o.nd careful con.tinuo:te observation of his surroundin a coinhat urea^ he cti^n d^-vidirp an acute instinrt that

hy expe?^enfrr
inga

-luhile

wnma Mm

of

danger a most vih^abh^

SacKoA

69-

l\.

asset tou'ard aelf-proteciion.

DISARMING METHODS

HtutraltiatlaTi

This is the making of a dangerous boobytrap safe to handle.

If this is not possible, however, itmuatbe destrnyed. Neutralization
involves two fite'padisarmmg or replacing safeties in the firing
asflembly flnd defuzing or separating the firing ^issembly from the
main charpr and the detonator from the firing assembly.
b. Although types of boobytraps found in iimvcnlionai warfare
In a combat zone vary greatly, equipment used by most armies la
basically similar esccpt in construction details. AccordingL>% a
knowledge of the mechanical detBils and techniques iri thp use of
standard U.S. boobylrappmg equipment in conventional warfare
prepares a soldier to some extent for defllmg with that of the
enemy. This, hiiwever is not true in guerrilla warfare. Most enemy
iHiobytrapH found recently in guerrilla infested areas, were cunningly and ingeniously improvised and laid. Such boobytraps can
rarely be neutralized even by the most experienced specialists.
These are discussed and illustrated in chaptpr h.
c. Boobytraps may he neutralized by two methnds. {1} Whenever the location permits, they may be destroyed by actuating the
mechanism from a safe distance or detonating a charge near the
main charRe. These should be used at all times unless tactical conditions are unfavorable (2) When necessary, boobytraps may be
disassembled by hand. As this is extremely dangerous, it should be
a.

T23

undertaken only by exjwrienced and extremely skillful apecialistB.

Notn. Complete knowledge of the dpnian of the boobytraji should
be obtained bp fore any neutraliza.ti/m is attempti^.d.
d. In forward movements, all complicated mechauiams
found
are bypassed. These are marked and reported for neutralization
later, when more deliberatp action may be tHken without harrasament by enemy fire.
e. All boobylraps exposed to blast from artillery fire or aerml
bombing .should be destroyed in place.
/. Boobytrapa with unrecognizable or complicated fii-inR arrangemenLs should be marlied and left for apecialistq to disarm.
(1) Electrii:ally fired boobytrapa are among the most daji;:erouB
of all. Though rare in the past, they now turn up frequently in
ffu^rrilla warfare. Some may be identified by the presence of electric lead wireg, dry eellp, or other batteries. Rome are small containera with all elements placed inside which actuate at the slightest
disturbance. These can hardly be disarmed even by experts.
(2) Another difficult (ype has delay fuzing a spring-wound or
electric clockwork fur Ions delay periods or chemical action firing
devices. As the time of detonation is uncertain, such boobytraps
ahould be destroyed in place, if possible or tactically fesasible,
Rul of Conduct
in constant practice by inflpecting and studying:
known booby trap methods and mechanisms.
70.

a.

Keep

br

Develop patience.

careless act

may

all

destroy you and others

aa Weil.
c.

Remember

that knowledge inspires confidence.

Let only one man deal with a boobytrap. Keep

of danger.
J'.
If in doubt, get help from an expert.
d-

/-

NevergrouptoEfltherwhenthereisdanger-

,,

all

others out

n,

Besuapicious of every unuaualobjectr

h. Regardless of nationality, consider every enemy a ruthless,
cunning and ingenious killer.
fl.

71-

D^lailvd Oparafions

O. Deslructiftn- in Piace.

damage

which is generally the case out of

boobytrap riggings by their own
mechanism or by a rope from a safe position (at least 50 meters
away)
(2) The easiest method of getting rid of a boobytrap is to detonate a pound of high explosive adjacent to the main charge.
b, Removai of Matn Charoe (Antitank Mine).
Careful probme or search around the charge is necessary to
locate and neutralize aJi antilift devices. Recognition of the type of
Uring. mechanismg uaed is necessary to avoid casualty. All Bafety
(1)

Tf

is acceptable,

doors, the operator

may

initiate

T34

devic^^a
ful,

must be repkeed.

If coni]ilete neutralizjiliQii

the charge should be pulled

from a

aeems doubt-

from place by a grapnel or rape

After the charge ifl pulled, the operator should

30 aecnndfl as a safeguard against a i^onrealffd delay

s:ife lucatioii.

wait at least
actinn fuze.
c.

Hand Disarming. None but

trained specialists should under-

takp this job, unless ihe boobytrap'^ characteristics and disarming

techniques are well known. Trained specialists onl>'" should inspect
and destroy all unusual or complicntod nii>i:haniama for safety reaaong and for information on new enemy devices. The following procedures fur hand neutralisation are for guidance only, as the exact
sequence depends on the type of device and the manner of place-

ment.
(1) Do not touch any part of a lioobytrap lit?fore examining It
thoroughlyr Locate all firing devices and their triggering mechan-

isms.
{2)
laid to

When tracing wirea, look

for concealed intevmi^diate devices

disturb
any wires during the examnot

impede searching. Do
ination of the boobytrap.
(3) Cut loose trip wires only after careful examination of all
connecting objects and their functions and replacing all safeties.
(4| Trace taut Wires and disarm all connected firing devices by
replacing ^af etien. Taut wire^ should be cut only when the danger at
both endshas been eliminated.
(S) ) Replace safeties in all mechanisms, using nails, lengths of
of wire, cotter pins, and other objects,
(fi) Never u?e force in disarming firing devices.
(7) Without disturbing the main charge, cut detonating cord or

other Ipads between the disarmed firing devices and the main
charge.
(8) Gut wires leading to an electric detonator oif* at o time.
(9) When using a probe, push it gently into the ground. Stop
when you touch any object. It may be a pressure cap or plate.
(10) Once separated, boobytrap component.^ should be removed
to a aafe storage or disposal area.
-^
=-.I?. Special Prccui^/ynR.
(1) Be very (cautious In handling delay mechanisms. Although
there may be little danger before the appointed time, ausiliary firing devices may be present. All complicated and confusing devices
should be destroyed in place or marked for treatment by specialiala.
(2) Explosive containers of wood or cardboard, buried for Long
periods are dangerous to disturb. They are also estrpmely dangerous to probe if in an advanced state of decomposition. Deteriorated
high explosives are very susceptible to detonation. Thus destruction in placeof a boobytrap and in a i-ontentrated area long exposed
to moisture may detonate manj- others simultaneousiy.

(3) MetiiJlii: explosive cuiitainers, after prolongred burial, are

often daTi^erou^'^ to remove. Oxidation may m^kp them resistunt to
detection. After a time the explosive may become contaminated,
increasing the danger in handlinK- Explosives oontaininfi picric

acid are particularly dangerous aa deterioration from contar^t with

metal forms extreineli''apnaitive salts readily detonated by handling.

(4) Fuzqs of certflin typea become extremely aenaitive to disturbance from exposure to wet snil The only safe method of neutralizing or removing sui^h deteriorated boobytraps is detonation in
pUce.
/^.

Elf

plosive DiipDsal

itema recovered by hand neutralization are

destroyed by specially-trained explosive ordnance disposal units.
Should untryined troops be recjuired to do this, they should follo^v
established procedures with great c-ari?. Explosives to be detonated
should be buried in a pit at least 4 feet deep imder 2 fc^st of earth,
free of rotks or other matter that may become (f> iiiK" debris.
b. Components should be placed on their aide or in position to
expose their largest area to the force of the initiating explosive.
Demolition blocks should be used for destruction of these components, if available; but bangalore torpedoes or jlynamtte may be
substituted. Primed charges should always be connected to Tiring
mechanisms by detonating cord, so that blasting caps maj' be connected at the la^t minute This eliminates opening the pit in the
event of a mishre. All pers<ms engaged in disposal should take
cover when explosive components are detonated. Despite the 2-foot
layer of earth, fragments may be thrown at high velocity for several hundred yards.
Q.

[Jiujilli

ex[>ludivt!

I-

:H

1^

126

-~--.

" r

U.

APPENDIX

REFERENCES

1.

Fiald

Manudli

t'M

5-2',

ExpJosJviis BJid Deniolitiona.

FM

20-32

Land Minp Warfare.

Monuali

2. Taehnkcil

TM
TM
TM

fl-134,'j-:^00

Knreigii Mine Waffare Equipment.

Land Mine?.

9-1S7G-2UO

DeuioJition Materittld.

S-'JfiO

=^.1"

lar

By

<L

Order of the Secretary of the Army:

HAROLD

K.

JOHNSON,

General, fJniled States

Army,

^"''-'
Official:

C. LAMBEKT,
Maj(fr Gftneraf, United StaUa
J.

-^.-.j

Army,

The Adjutant Qenerai.

Difltribulicin;

Active

Armyi
!'

ACSI

OS Hai Comd{5)
MDW (U

V)

DCSLOG [2]
DC&OPS {2'l
ACSFOR 12
COKC 12)
CRD (1)
COA (1)
ciNFo a

Arroiefl [5}

Conw

(3)

Dtv(2)

DivArty (1)
Engr Bd {2)
Enar Gp (5)

I-

Eagr Bd 1.2)
Ecsr Co (2)
Ei^r Det (al

TIG(T)

TJAG

CNGE

(1)

U3ATC

(2)

A'G

USACDCEA {2)
usees Ali/: (51
USACDC (2)

SvcCollefteH (2)

ARADCOM
ARADCOM

L-fsAECIFB (21

9UI* AU

VSARFor

C2)

U9MA(n

CofEugra (S)

Br 3vc

(2)

Rep

Rrli (?>

PMSSrllLV
Tnatl

(1!

(3); unitfl Mine SB active

lisimL,

bw

(U

Army.

Unilaannii: UB active Ajiny m:4*|iL

CJipJenatiiui o( Hbhroviatinjifl

IJni[H(l)

[ill&wftiicB ia

Ali 320-SO.

one onpy to each unit.

Wl

Chugoi,

ilc^aycJ Ai^lioD

41c

6J

6Sd

110

62c

115

6^

IH
H4

CharsFfl, liyiprovised;

Claymore

Flatter charge

Bhsped

rhfline

Shrapnel i^arga.....
Clearance teflum

CompuuenU,

---,-.

Q2b

----

13/

12

60c(1)h(2)

105,108

60"
flOb

104
104

aOrf

109

27j

21d

37
1*
35
35
36

27*

3fi

w;

27j

36
37
3'

71a

124

27*

41

27^1)

P7fl2)

37
3a

24
23

30
29

.-.--

123

72
11*

._.__.__._

boobylrikp

CiirioBity

ChargeH, demolition (Sff DemnLjtiDQ charg

IJaCnitujn

Delay

lift

.__.

firiog devir^fl:

Alarm

.._

clock

---,

Cigaretle timer

Dried MBd
Wrifliwalch
DEinnLition rharges-

AmatoL

-,-,-

ConifKiailiinB...-,..

Ml

_..

chain

M7
MSandMS

--

M6AI (CcmiiHiHitiDQ C4)

M112
Mils
PETN_
ItDS
-

2TA

---

37l>

2Tc

_..^

Wt

Destruotiuji iu pljicp

Dwtniftor, uaiveraftl

l_..

..

MIO

DetOnalmg ODTii:
TypeBl,:i_

TypElV
f-'tooHlfir:
fl-flpoind

dBUy

13-Beeond nJelay
DiBurminR inethddH--DjflpMfl], explosive

--------

.__^._.

DlHtrBClion
EtTeiila, hiKihytrBppjQ(.ElectnehlaatiogcapB.--

Enemy

bnob^iraipfl

tiling chaia

_.

126
10

10

VTp

*0

26
lO

31

Firina dpyiMfl, niBndard

Ml

delay

MlAlpreflBiire.

Ml

prMHUrt-mkiifle

M5

preBsure'retesse.

20

28
22

Ma

21

24

^^^
31>a(l)m
SVaV^Kb]

80

..._.

pull-relenBe

C^echiwIovDkia

France----

--

22

10

32

MlpulL
ForeigD ininEB, bouby tcAppAd
Anllperaonnel mines

130

5S
50

'Fnrpiiin minen,

boobytmpppd

Contrnued

SuviPt

30fl[l)U)

WWlTGeriiiJiny
t'iiruifl]i[nRfl,

mlerii>r, btiobyLruppEd:

Bed
Book.........
Curd file

._

Chairaajid infai

Dlt

__._

.,

__

ElceLcic ironLifll finder,

FnHHurc

.._

telcphtoe

^.

(looker

Rfldio

Tea kettle......

._..._..
_..._

.
]

.._

TelewiHion..-.

_.--_

.^

FuHf

MTOO

KnJety

__._

Time....
CrttpnplB.
HrLiid diflarmin^.

Hariil Rreiinde fchoiBfl).

Hantl U<o\b
ElLKh explcdive shell (ehoEge).
Improvinpid bfiijb>trBp

InGemiity

Initialing flftioiia

._.

Tnternal actiima
LAyiilg buDbyLrapn:

MpUindft
Te^irif

-,...

R]WiiiflilMlil.y

Tjgh^er, luar, M6I1.

Lui^alinne,
I^jree,

bn&byXrcp.

boobytrap

MaoilfnctUrtd buobytrapa..,
Mftritcra....

M arfcin J
Mine,

Jintiljink (chnrfip}

Morlar

ahej],

SIMM

(eharEB),

__

Full GriDE cLbviov, improvised:

Cloihwpin...

Ropp

jLDii

H*

lylioder

JUM

-.

__.._

Sl&kc or pole inilUlor

Trip iFTer aad puLl plo

_..
-

Me
Kt

05

5fib(2)

OS

Prenucc Gnug device, improviipd:

Eleclridpl

Flexible aide

Lever arm.

Mli(l)

Mnihiuilcal c(DCUHii

MeUlbo^

Piob,

97
lOU

6flb<3)

Sprinan] Tutrtute boprd

Wnxjdeii pLuDKer

B6q
MbfJJ)

__..^

---

apripfted viniien

---

366(4)

---

flW

11

13

IB

I7i

17

RenoDitBinvnCE
Reccuding;

Rewrds

--

--

^MV

17
la

--

^70i2)
I'o^l)

Iteporlfl.

Compiellon
luiUatiDQ
Tnlenllon

-,-

--

Bafdly mlrt

^earrhJDg tcchniqua;

Indoor,--

OutdMT
SbapeH

charpfl;

M3A3.._

M3
SpeelaliiM, trwoed

15

70

124

*1|

EevDcalinD of authority

^
W
M
sn
^

132
121

43
41
119

Stfludiird bixibytrnpl"

*0c

fi3

Itftliifl

50*3)

90

JPJU1M_.._

51M(1)

Briliflfi

Soviet

WWTl

GniflTiy.._

--

l=

80
S7

BOb, rf(l)-

8V,8&,00

W^

121

TapE, marHng.Teain, rleHBnre. rTLDflion-rcIeBHB

bnag

device,

improviKd

Terrain, boobytrappinj

_-,---,,

.._.--

'l^me EuHPj impravinHil

TNT

1^7

45,46
5'*o.

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