Professional Knowledge Gained from Operational Experience in Vietnam,1969, Special Issue, Mines and Boobytraps

This reference publication complements existing training manuals on small unit tactics, patrolling, weapons, mines and booby traps, and leadership.

The history of mine and boobytrap warfare is almost as long as the history of war itself, Although these devices were once considered an unfair and cowardly manner of fighting an enemy, nations continued
to develop and employ mines and boobytraps because they provided an effective and simple means of inflicting casualties upon an enemy force.

During the war with France, 1946-1954,the Viet Minh used improvised explosive mines and boobytraps effectively against the French forces. The VC/NVA have continued to improve upon these techniques and are employing mines and boobytraps as an effective weapons system against free world military forces in SVN today. t’he number of Marine casualties, perhaps better than any other example, illustrates
how effective the enemy is with these devices. Marines landed in force in SVN during March.1965