Certain basic principles, as old as warfare itself, must be followed to get the optimum benefit from boobytraps.
Knowledge of these principles will aid the soldier, not only in placing boobytraps expertly, but in detecting
and
avoiding those of the enemy.
A. APPEARANCES
Concealment is mandatory to success. All litter and other evidences of boobytrapping must be removed.
B. FIRING
An obvious firing assembly may distract attention from a cunningly-hidden one.
C. LIKELY AREAS
Defiles or other constricted areas are excellent locations.
D. OBSTACLES
Road blocks, fallen trees, litter, etc., are ideal locations.
E. GATHERING PLACES
In buildings, at building entrances, and in similar places where soldiers may move or gather, delay charges
pay
off.
F. APPEAL TO CURIOSITY
Boobytraps laid in bold positions to dare the curious get results.
G. BLUFF
Dummy boobytraps, consistently repeated, may encourage carelessness. An obvious boobytrap may mask another and
perhaps a
more deadly one.
H. LURES
Boobytraps may be baited. The unexpected detonation of a delay action incendiary or explosive boobytrap may
scatter
troops or detour them into a more heavily laid area.
— BOOBYTRAPS, Department of the Army Field Manual No. 5-31 (Headquarters, Department of the
Army,
September 1965)
