Boobytraps Field Manual

Vendor:Americana Pipedream Apparel

Boobytraps Field Manual

$12.99
Description

Boobytraps Field Manual

This is Field Manual 5-31, the U.S. Army's doctrine on booby traps, first published in 1965 during the buildup to Vietnam. It was written to teach soldiers and combat engineers two things at once: how booby traps are built and placed, and more importantly, how to spot and disarm them before they go off.

The manual breaks down the firing mechanisms behind period devices, pressure triggers, pull igniters, tension-release switches, and chemical delay fuses, and explains how each one turns a simple mechanical action into a detonation.

From there it covers how traps were typically placed in buildings, doorways, trails, and minefields, along with the detection and removal procedures soldiers trained on to move through hostile terrain safely. It's built around a specific mindset: recognizing likely trigger points before you touch anything, not defusing devices under pressure.

It's worth noting that booby trap use by military forces has since been heavily restricted under international law, so this manual reflects historical doctrine rather than current practice.

That's exactly why it holds up as a reference: it's a primary source on how the Army trained for hazard recognition during the Vietnam era, useful to military historians, Vietnam-era collectors, and preppers interested in the underlying skill of spotting danger before it's triggered, minus the explosives.

The Short & Sweet:

  • Field Manual 5-31, U.S. Army doctrine on booby traps
  • First published 1965
  • Covers firing mechanisms, common placement scenarios, and detection/removal
  • Reflects historical doctrine; modern booby trap use is heavily restricted under international law
  • For historical study and hazard-recognition skills, not a how-to guide
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Curious About Sizing?

Given the massive variety of clothing we carry, a standard sizing guide is incredibly helpful for customers seeking the best fit.

Please understand that surplus varies widely in fit and cut and this sizing chart is general advice rather than tailor-level fitting.

Nearly every military has different sizing charts and schemes, which is why we've taken the time to put together this brief tutorial.

 

Jacket & Shirt Sizing

In absence of an established military size chart, we measure each jacket or shirt from armpit to armpit to get a rough idea of how it fits. If a garment is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a shirt measures 19.75" from pit to pit, it is marked as a small rather than medium.

To measure pit to pit, close up your shirt or jacket and measure from armpit to armpit. 

This is our measurement guide that we use to measure garments without an existing military size chart:

14"-15" PtP = XXS

16-17" PtP = Extra Small

18"-19" PtP = Small

20-21" PtP = Medium

22-23" PtP = Large

24-25" PtP = Extra Large

26-27" PtP = XXL

28-29" PtP = 3XL

Pant Sizing

We typically convert pants to US waist and inseam sizes. If a pair of pants is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a pair of pants measures as a 33 waist, it is marked as a 32 waist.

To take these measurements we lay a pair of pants flat on the ground. We then measure across the waist and double the measurement. For example, if a pair of pants measures 16" across the waist it will fit a US 32 waist.

To determine inseam we measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff. For example, it a pair of pants measures 30" from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff we will list it as a 30 inseam or 30L.

Surplus Condition Guide

  1. Unissued
  2. These items are brand new. They may sometimes exhibit signs of storage. They may be new in their original factory packaging, but most times will not be. 
  3. Issued; Good / Issued
  4. These items are in issued/used condition but are fully functional. This grade of surplus item may also exhibit signs of use such as stampings, small stains or general dirtiness.
  5. Issued items will not have missing or broken buttons, zippers or be missing any functional components unless noted as such in the product description. Any items you purchase that are marked as "Issued; Good" but exhibit these defects will be replaced free of charge by Americana Pipedream.
  6. Grade 2
  7. These items are in issued/used condition but have defects that impede function. This may include missing buttons, broken zippers, holes and tears. They may also be missing components.
  8. This is the lowest grade of surplus item that we carry and they are not eligible for returns or exchanges due to condition.
Prop 65 Warning

All products that are NOT INTENDED FOR CONSUMPTION OR NOT FOOD PRODUCTS fall under this warning:

“WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.” WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”

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