FM 5-31 | Booby Traps

FM 5-31 Booby Traps is a U.S. Army field manual that provides detailed instructions on the design, construction, emplacement, and detection of booby traps. It is a practical guide aimed at enhancing tactical operations by incorporating these devices into defensive and offensive strategies.  The manual serves as a resource for soldiers to employ ingenuity in resource-limited environments, using available materials to create effective traps. The manual outlines the principles of booby trap employment, emphasizing their strategic value in denying the enemy access to key areas, disrupting movements, and inflicting psychological and physical damage. It includes detailed descriptions of various types of traps, from simple mechanical devices to complex explosive systems. Instructions cover the use of tripwires, pressure plates, and improvised triggers, as well as guidelines for concealment and placement to maximize effectiveness while minimizing detection. Additionally, FM 5-31 addresses coun