Field Manual FM 5-31 BOOBYTRAPS

Purpose and Scope. This manual contains procedures, techniques, and expedients for the instruction of the use, detection, and removal of boobytraps in the field.

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Chapter 1. CHARACTERISTICS OF BOOBYTRAPS
I. Introduction
II. Principles of operation

Chapter 2. USE OF BOOBTRAPS
I. Basic doctrine
II. Planning
III. Installation

Chapter 3. BOOBYTRAP EQUIPMENT
I. Firing devices
II. Demolitions materials
III. Missiles

Chapter 4. CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
I. Boobytrapping mines in minefields
II. Boobytrapping buildings
III. Terrain

Chapter 5. MISCELLANEOUS BOOBYTRAPS
I. Standard boobytraps
II. Improvisations

Chapter 6. BOOBYTRAP DETECTION AND REMOVEL
I. Clearing methods
II. Disarming methods
Appendix I.

CHAPTER 1 CHARACTERISTICS OF BOOBYTRAPS
Section I. INTRODUCTION
1. Purpose and Scope a. This manual contains procedures, techniques, and expedients for the instruction of the soldier in the assembly use, detection, and removal of boobytraps in combat.
b. Included are descriptions and discussions of the design and functioning characteristics of standard demolition items — firing devices, explosives, and accessories — and missiles, such as hand grenades*, mortar ammunition, artillery ammunition, and bombs.

c. This manual also contains information on a variety of items and indigenous materials useful for improvising firing devices, explosives, and pyrotechnic mixtures for guerrilla warfare applications.

d. Factory-produced boobytraps (dirty trick devices) are described. Most of these have been developed and used in the field by foreign armies.
e. Safety measures pertinent to boobytrapping operations are provided for the protection of troops from casualty.
f. The contents of this manual are applicable nuclear and non-nuclear warfare.
2. Comments


Section II. PRINCIPLES OF OPERAIION 3. Types of Boobytraps
A boobytrap is an explosive charge cunningly contrived to be fired by an unsuspecting; person who disturbs an apparently harmless object or performs a presumably safe act. Two types are in use — improvised and manufactured. Improvised boobytraps are assembled from specially provided material or constructed from materials generally used for other purposes. Manufactured boobytraps are dirty trick devices made at a factory for issue to troops- They usually imitate some object or article that has souvenir appeal or that maybe used by the target to advantage.

4. Assembling Boobytraps
A boobytrap consists of a main charge, firing device, standard base (not always used),and detonator. Another item universal destructor, is an adapter for installing a firing device assembly in a loaded projectile or bomb to make an improvised boobytrap. Also, firing device assembles are often attached to the main charge by means of length of detonating cord.

5. Boobytrap Firing Chain

THE FIRING CHAIN IS A SERIES OF
INITIATIONS BEGINNING WITH A
SMALL QUANTITY OF HIGHY SENSITIVE
EXPLOSIVE AND ENDING WITH A COMPARATIVELY
LARGE QUANTITY OF INSENSITIVE EXPLOSIVE.