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The original version of this feature was published in Global Defence Review, autumn 2007. Global Defence Review is published by Global Media Applications LTD. This feature has been edited for website convenience.

 

Digging For Victory

by Aran Dharmeratnam

 

In today’s fast moving world, it is inevitable that technological advances will firmly influence the future of infantry equipment. There have already been some significant changes, resulting in enhanced communication systems, sophisticated tracking and observation equipment, as well as various weapon improvements. Certain technological developments seem to be focused on the establishment of sophisticated and integrated field equipment that allows for human interfacing and interaction. But anyone concerned that tomorrow’s soldier will require more technical aptitude than field prowess, should remember that there are some simple field tools that are likely to be around for some time. These tools have already proven themselves in countless deployments. They are the practical and useful pieces of equipment that have been embraced by soldiers from many different forces and many different eras.And a potent example of this type of equipment is the military entrenching tool.

 

Standing the Test of Time:

Even though it has been modified and redesigned in different countries, the entrenching tool is certainly not modern equipment. It has been used over the last three centuries in major conflicts. It has also been used outside of active combat zones, to carry out various mundane yet equally necessary tasks and duties. In its early form it resembled the more standard shovel one might expect see in a non military setting. These early versions would often have a relatively long, wooden handle. Then, over the years it has been modified in various ways. One of its most notable changes was the introduction of a folding mechanism. The first folding entrenching tools enabled the shovel head to be tucked back towards the handle. This made it easier to carry for mobile troops. Of course, there are now more modern versions of a more metal design that allow both the shovel head and the handle to fold inwards. In this way, the entrenching tool can be inserted into a pouch not much bigger than the actual shovel head. This makes the modern entrenching tool very carry friendly and easy to store.

In World Wars One and Two, the entrenching fulfilled its primary role as a digging instrument. This was a time when trench warfare was a major component of the battlefield. Indeed the trenches often represented the battlefield itself. And the nature of trench warfare was such, that close quarter fighting was much more common. Combat could take place within the confines of bunkers and muddy ditches. It was at this time that soldiers applied their field shovel in a very different way. It was used as a brutal close quarter weapon. Unlike the rifle that when clogged with mud and dirt could jam, the shovel was more reliable. In certain close quarter situations, it was probably easier to wield than a bayonet fitted rifle. In the Second World War, American troops were shipped to the Pacific would learn to apply this field tool in a very different terrain. And British troops involved the North African campaign, got to see how useful the field shovel could be in desert conditions, where sand bags were needed and dug outs had to established. It wasn’t just the allied troops who valued this tool. German troops also recognised the value of this tool as a clearance device and a combative instrument.

Moving on a few decades, the Vietnam War saw the entrenching tool still being used by troops to negotiate jungle terrain and dig fox holes. Here guerrilla tactics were rampant and the Viet Cong utilised their own digging tactics in the establishment of various traps and intricate tunnel systems. And even today, as British troops continue to be deployed to countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan; the entrenching tool will serve various purposes in the field. In regards to British forces, it is not just the army’s infantry regiments who use this tool. For Royal Marines and members of the Royal Air Force Regiment, the entrenching tool will be utilised during various operations. Even at the training stage, recruits from various units will have a number of opportunities to familiarise themselves with this proven implement for the field.

 

The Versatility of the Entrenching Tool:

As an actual digging implement, if the entrenching tool is to be used effectively it does require a good level of physical stamina. The digging of fox holes or trenches may be viewed by many as an arduous even tedious task. And in making the entrenching tool smaller and easier to carry, one might wonder if the modern versions represent an ergonomically friendly field instrument, for this type of physical work. Nonetheless, most standard issue folding shovels should be sufficient when carrying out basic digging work.

By making the shovel smaller and introducing the folding mechanism, there are is another advantage besides the fact that it becomes easier to carry. The smaller entrenching tool is easier to use when the work has to be carried out from low level positions. For example, tasks might have to be carried out from a crouched stance or even from a lying position. It will also be easier to use the smaller more compact shovel, when working in a confined space. And an individual may find that they have much better control over it, when carrying out other diverse tasks, which require more precise movements.

In the operational field, there is a vast array of digging requirements that the entrenching tool can meet. As well setting up fox holes and trenches, troops may need this field tool to create latrines, fill up sand bags and basic land clearance situations. When land vehicles have to negotiate difficult terrain, a shovel may be needed to help free tyres obstructed by mud, snow, sand or rubble. This highlights the fact that this digging implement is essential kit for numerous environments and conditions.

Essential Survival Kit:

The entrenching tool can certainly help to sustain troops operating in challenging environments. Beyond its digging purposes, there are various other survival tasks it can be used for. Taking into account the sharp edge that many of these entrenching tools possess, one can understand why they are useful cutting implements. They can be used to hack through roots, branches and undergrowth; making them especially useful in jungles or forest settings. The way in which the weight is distributed in most entrenching tools; as well as their length means that they are better at cutting through certain surfaces than a knife. Powerful chopping actions can be applied and even the flat surface of the shovel head can be used for hammering purposes. Also, the same sharpened edge used for cutting branches could even be used for hunting purposes to prepare traps or preparing meat. Food can also be cooked on the head of the shovel.

The Mobility Factor:

When troops are moving over rough or difficult terrain, the entrenching tool can still serve different purposes. Firstly, when negotiating water, the tool represents an improvised oar. It might not be as efficient as well designed paddle, but it can act as a substitute. The entrenching tool may be of shorter length than the standard rowing paddle, but this may allow for greater control and hence a more silent approach. Of course, even when travelling over more solid ground, the field shovel can be used to negotiate steep terrain. In other words, not only is it used to clear a path; it may be used to gain footing or a grip. And in certain situations, it has even been used as a climbing aid.

 

The Combative Approach:

Even in modern warfare, there is still a genuine possibility that conflict will take place at close quarters. At such times, hand to hand combat may not be the preferred method of engagement but it may be a necessity, when a determined enemy closes in. Now just as the Ghurkhas from Nepal, may wield the fierce Kukhri blade when combat occurs up close and the enemy is within arms length; there are troops from the Russian military who readily embrace the entrenching tool as one of their most reliable weapons to be used amidst hand to hand fighting. Today, within the Russian Federation, there are elite special operation units who receive extensive training in the use of the field shovel. Russia has developed sophisticated close quarter systems, such the multi functional method known as Systema. These systems maintain extensive training drills, based on the combative application of the field shovel. The practical drills help the user to develop familiarisation with various field tool and of equal importance; they help the user to overcome certain types of fear that sometimes manifest when working with edged weapons.

The Stealth Option:

The training approach followed in some of these combat systems, can give trainees a chance to understand the different ways the shovel can be applied in short range confrontations. Once an individual has learnt to handle the entrenching tool with a good level of control and precision, they should start to learn how this crude yet clinically efficient weapon can be used to produce different levels of damage. It can be used not only to neutralise a threat but to simply immobilise an opponent. In others, it doesn’t have to be used to generate fatal wounds. Ultimately, not every opponent who attacks at close range may represent a high level threat to troops. This means that the field shovel can be used to control or restrain an individual. Experts with the field shovel also know how to use different parts of this tool to deliver strikes or controlling techniques; even the handle itself can be used for more controlled attacks. In some Russian units, some individual operatives are even skilled at using a sharpened field shovel as a projectile weapon. When thrown as a target at short range the shovel is capable of immense damage.

Another reason why the entrenching tool represents a practical close quarter instrument is because it is recognised by many different Special Forces teams across the globe, as a silent weapon. When stealth needs to be maintained, this weapon may serve a useful purpose in operations occurring deep within enemy territory. And while, there will be many situations where a combat knife may be the preferred choice; this by no means makes the shovel a weak substitute. The fact is, within some situations the entrenching tool has clear advantages over a combat knife. The entrenching tool maintains a distinct reach advantage and as previously mentioned it can be used to deliver less lethal blows, whilst a knife is somewhat limited in this respect.

In the operational field, patrolling units may have to enter some especially hostile environments: from dark tunnels and caves to uncompromising jungles. At such times, it may be difficult to move with an assault rifle. Furthermore, there is a danger when troops open fire in very confined spaces, that bullets can ricochet of walls and rocks thus placing other unit members at risk. Within certain parts of the world, such as South East Asia, the cool, dark areas are often home to potentially hostile wildlife such as snakes or scorpions. It is believed that most snakes will only attack when disturbs, nonetheless there may still be moments when the field shovel may prove useful for defensive purposes. Troops within the Russian military have also established a diverse range of other survival purposes that their field shovel can be used for. And in considering that there will times, when units may have to cover ground whilst carrying a very light load, it is important that the equipment which is not discarded can be used to carry out many different tasks.

A Defensive Perspective:

Returning once again to the combative application of this field tool, some Russian close quarter experts point out that just as it is important to learn how to wield the field shovel offensively; it is also necessary that the users learns how to keep hold of the weapon once attacked, so that it is not used against its user. Of course, weapons retention training is valuable for trainees, no matter what weapon is being studied. Those involved in peace keeping operations may have to understand small arms retention, as well as other field tools. Along with this retention work, some of the Russian combat systems also focus on how to defend against or evade weapons such as the entrenching tool, bayonet and pick axe. During patrols, troops may have to enter rural areas, where local resistance may occur on a very crude level. Stone throwing and the use of farming implements might not seem like the most threatening forms of aggression; but even the most primitive instruments of warfare can cause serious injury. The current operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan have seen British and American troops facing this type of resistance.

So while the entrenching tool may be modified or redesigned for specific tasks; it is clear that it is a valued piece of kit for troops all over the world. It is a practical and versatile tool that is unlikely to go out of date for a long time. It can be used in jungle, desert or snow and today as more operations occur within urban zones of conflict; it is likely that resourceful troops will find new ways to apply this tool for the ages.