Brontekst bekijken van TM 31-210 Improvised Munitions Handbook

{{Short description|United States Army manual}}
{{Infobox book
| image             = TM_31-210_Improvised_Munitions_Handbook.gif
| author            = Headquarters, Department of the Army
| country           = USA
| genre             = Military technical manual
| publisher         = United States Department of War
| pub_date          = 1969
| pages             = 251-V
| name              = TM 31-210 Improvised Munitions Handbook
| location          = Frankford Arsenal, Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
}}
The '''TM 31-210 Improvised Munitions Handbook''' is a 256 page [[United States Army]] technical manual intended for the [[United States Army Special Forces]]. It was first published in [[1969]] by the Department of the Army.[[File:TM-21-210-Improvised-Munitions-Handbook-1969-Department-of-the-Army.pdf|thumb|]] Like many other U.S. military manuals<ref>Other publicly available U.S. military manuals dealing with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and unconventional warfare include:{{Bulletlist}}

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20230403002651/https://www.bulletpicker.com/pdf/Viet%20Cong%20Boobytraps.pdf DJSM-545-66 Viet Cong Improvised Explosive Mines and Booby Traps (1966)];
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20230319122244/https://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/FM5-31(65).pdf FM 5-31 Boobytraps (1965)];
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20220722033648/https://www.originalwisdom.com/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/2019/03/US-Marine-Corp_1969_special-issue_Vietnam-mines-and-boobytraps_fmfrp-12-43.pdf FMFRP 12-43 Professional Knowledge Gained from Operational Experience in Vietnam, 1969, Special Issue, Mines and Boobytraps];
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20231208055734/http://www.survivalebooks.com/free%20manuals/1961%20US%20Army%20Vietnam%20War%20Guerilla%20Warfare%20&%20Special%20Forces%20Operations%20264p.pdf FM 31-21 Guerrilla Warfare and Special Forces Operations (1961)];
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20221107214449/https://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/FM31-20(1965).pdf FM 31-20 Special Forces Operational Techniques (1965)];
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20230402023214/https://survivalschool.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FM-31-20-Doctrine-for-Special-Forces-Operations.pdf FM 31-20 Doctrine for Special Forces Operations (1990)];
* [[iarchive:milmanual-fm-7-98-operations-in-a-low-intensity-conflict/mode/2up|FM 7-98 Operations in a Low-Intensity Conflict (1992)]];
* [[iarchive:milmanual-fm-31-20-5-special-reconnaissance-tactics-techniques--proced|FM 31-20-5 Special Reconnaissance Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Special Forces (1993)]];
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20230403084927/https://www.bulletpicker.com/pdf/FSTC%20381-4012,%20Typical%20Foreign%20Unconventional%20Weapons.pdf FSTC 381-5012 Typical Foreign Unconventional Warfare Weapons (U)];
* [[iarchive:simplesabotagefi26184gut/mode/2up|Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Simple Sabotage Field Manual (1944)]];
* [[iarchive:How to Start Train a Militia Unit PM 8--94/|PM 8--94 How to Start and Train a Militia Unit (1994)]];
* [https://ia800204.us.archive.org/12/items/Special_Forces_Handbook_ST_31-180/Special_Forces_Handbook_ST_31-180_text.pdf ST 31-180 Special Forces Handbook (1965)];
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20230326061617/https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN3039-TC_3-21.76-000-WEB-1.pdf TC 3-21.76 Ranger Handbook (2017)];
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20230103133504/https://www.militarynewbie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/TC-5-31-VC-Boobytraps.pdf TC 5-31 Viet Cong Boobytraps, Mines, and Mine Warfare Techniques (1969)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103133540/https://www.militarynewbie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/TC-5-31-Viet-Nam-version.pdf|date=2023-01-03}};
* [[iarchive:milmanual-tm-31-200-1-unconventional-warfare-devices-and-techniques---|TM 31-200-1 Unconventional Warfare Devices and Techniques - References (1966)]];
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20230103133808/https://www.militarynewbie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/TM-31-201-1.pdf TM 31-201-1 Unconventional Warfare Devices and Techniques - Incendiaries (1966)].</ref> dealing with [[improvised explosive device]]s (IEDs) and [[Unconventional warfare (United States)|unconventional warfare]], it was declassified and released into the public domain as a result of provisions such as the [[Freedom of Information Act (United States)|Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)]], and is now freely available to the public in both electronic and printed formats.

The manual explains how in unconventional warfare operations, for logistical or security reasons, it may be impossible or unwise to use conventional military munitions as tools when conducting certain missions. Starting from this consideration, the manual describes the manufacture of various types of ordnances from readily available materials, from junk piles, common household chemicals and supplies purchased from regular stores.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nye |first=Logan |date=April 29, 2020 |title=This is an actual Army guide to creating an entire arsenal |url=https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-tactical/army-improvised-munitions-weapons-handbook/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211205849/https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-tactical/army-improvised-munitions-weapons-handbook/ |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=We Are The Mighty}}</ref>

The manual was mentioned in news reports by various media after it was seized from people suspected of planning guerrilla or terrorism activities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2018 |title=Couple's Cardiff home 'like bomb-making factory |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-46646674 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222232206/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-46646674 |archive-date=December 22, 2018 |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 February 2023 |title=Norwich man found guilty of terror offences |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-64684781?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211154655/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-64684781?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 January 2020 |title=Coalville 'weapons hoarder' jailed for 10 years |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-51273227 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110213946/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-51273227 |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 17, 2023 |title=Far-right Army reject convicted of collecting terror documents |url=https://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/news/23330436.far-right-army-reject-convicted-collecting-terror-documents/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211153158/https://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/news/23330436.far-right-army-reject-convicted-collecting-terror-documents/ |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=The Scottish Farmer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 February 2023 |title=Norwich: Man, 25, goes on trial for terror offences |url=https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/23321043.norwich-man-25-goes-trial-terror-offences/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214171202/https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/23321043.norwich-man-25-goes-trial-terror-offences/ |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=Norwich Evening News}}</ref>

The manual is one of the best official references on improvised explosive devices (IEDs) manufacturing, and some of the weapons described in it have been used against U.S. troops by foreign troops. For example, the hand-grenade-in-a-can trap was used against U.S. troops in [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]].<ref>The hand-grenade-in-a-can trap used by the Viet Cong against U.S. soldiers depicted in ''TC 5-31 Viet Cong Boobytraps, Mines, and Mine Warfare Techniques (1969), p. 4-8'' is the same as the one depicted in ''TM 31-210 Improvised Munitions Handbook (1969), pp. 79 - 80''.</ref> Furthermore, the manual was found in many abandoned safe houses of various Islamist groups, for example in [[Kabul]], [[Mazar-i-Sharif|Mazar-e Sharif]] and [[Kandahar]] (Afghanistan), as well as in destroyed training camps.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hiro |first=Dilip |title=War Without End: The Rise of Islamist Terrorism and Global Response |publisher=Routledge |year=2002 |isbn=9780415288026 |page=463}}</ref>

The TM 31-210 manual was subject to considerations regarding the repercussions of easy public access to informations on the artisanal manufacturing of weapons and explosives.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Larabee |first=Ann |title=The Wrong Hands: Popular Weapons Manuals and Their Historic Challenges to a Democratic Society |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2015 |isbn=978-0-19-020117-3 |location=New York, NY |pages=92, 94, 101, 166, 169, 203}}</ref>

The manual has also been mentioned in scientific literature, used as a reference for works dealing with topics such as [[ballistics]],<ref>{{Cite book |title=Ballistics 2011. 26th International Symposium on Ballistics |date=September 2011 |publisher=DEStech Publications, Incorporated |isbn=9781605950525 |editor-last=Templeton |editor-first=Douglas |page=347 |editor-last2=Baker |editor-first2=Ernest}}</ref> [[Forensic science|forensic investigations]],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Beveridge |first=Alexander |title=Forensic Investigation of Explosions |publisher=CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-4665-0394-6 |edition=2 |location=Boca Raton, FL |page=535}}</ref> [[security engineering]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=J. Anderson |first=Ross |title=Security Engineering. A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems |publisher=Wiley Publishing, Inc. |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-470-06852-6 |edition=2 |location=Indianapolis, IN |pages=230, 988}}</ref> and [[counterterrorism]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=C. Goodrich |first1=Daniel |last2=L. Edwards |first2=Frances |year=2020 |title=Transportation, Terrorism and Crime: Deterrence, Disruption and Resilience |url=https://doi.org/10.31979/mti.2019.1896 |format=PDF |journal=Mineta Transportation Institute Publications |publisher=San Jose State University |pages=6, 52|doi=10.31979/mti.2019.1896 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Baca |first=Larry |year=2016 |title=Analysis of Alternative Convoy Route Patrol Procedures for Countering Improvised Explosive Devices Deployed During Asymmetric Warfare in Afghanistan-like Rural Settings |url=https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/5293/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225142637/https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/5293/ |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |access-date=March 9, 2024 |publisher=University of Central Florida |page=4 |id=5293}}</ref>

== Sections ==
The '''TM 31-210''' manual consists of seven main sections:

* [[Explosive]]s and [[propellant]]s (including igniters)
* [[Land mine|Mines]] and [[grenade]]s
* [[Firearm|Small arms weapons]] and [[ammunition]]
* [[Mortar (weapon)|Mortars]] and [[Rocket (weapon)|rockets]]
* [[Molotov cocktail|Incendiary devices]]
* [[Fuse (explosives)|Fuses]], [[detonator]]s & [[Timer|delay mechanisms]]
* Miscellaneous

The miscellaneous section deals with the production of various types of trigger mechanisms (pressure, pressure release, traction, etc.), a makeshift precision balance, electric batteries, makeshift bulletproof barricades and more. The manual ends with two appendices, which briefly deal with the properties of some primary and secondary explosives.

==Popular culture==
The '''TM 31-210''' manual appeared as an "[[Easter egg (media)|Easter egg]]" in the [[1995]] CGI animated film, ''[[Toy Story]]''. In the scene where Woody is trapped under a blue plastic box in Sid's bedroom, it's possible to see behind him a document titled "TM 31-210 Improvised Interrogation Handbook", a clear reference to the actual document.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toy Story (1995) - See for example minute 58:56 to minute 59:17. |url=https://archive.org/details/tm-31-210-improvised-munitions-handbook-in-toy-story-1995 |website=archive.org|date=1995 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |editor-link=WhatCulture |title=20 Things You Somehow Missed In Toy Story |url=https://whatculture.com/film/20-things-you-somehow-missed-in-toy-story?page=14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315180533/https://whatculture.com/film/20-things-you-somehow-missed-in-toy-story?page=14 |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |access-date=March 15, 2024 |website=WhatCulture|date=23 October 2020 }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Cite web |year=1969 |title=TM 31-210 Improvised Munitions Handbook |url=https://www.militarynewbie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/TM-21-210-Improvised-Munitions-Handbook-1969-Department-of-the-Army.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221075710/http://militarynewbie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/TM-21-210-Improvised-Munitions-Handbook-1969-Department-of-the-Army.pdf |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=militarynewbie.com }}
*{{Cite web |title=TM 31-210 Improvised Munitions Handbook (v3.0 "Thanks-to-Feinstein's Electronic Edition" of 2007) |url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/TM_31-210_Improvised_Munitions_Handbook_-_1969_%28v3.0%29.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311204542/https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/TM_31-210_Improvised_Munitions_Handbook_-_1969_(v3.0).pdf |archive-date=March 11, 2024 |archive-format=PDF |website=wikimedia.org }}
*{{Cite web |title=TM 31-210 Improvised Munitions Handbook (v4.0 "Extended Version" of 2024) |url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/TM_31-210_Improvised_Munitions_Handbook_-_1969_%28v4.0_Extended_Version%29.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324204506/https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/TM_31-210_Improvised_Munitions_Handbook_-_1969_%28v4.0_Extended_Version%29.pdf |archive-date=March 24, 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=March 24, 2024 |website=wikimedia.org}}

[[Category:1969 books]]
[[Category:Bombs]]
[[Category:Explosives]]
[[Category:Explosive weapons]]
[[Category:Guerrilla warfare]]
[[Category:Improvised explosive devices]]
[[Category:Improvised weapons]]
[[Category:Special Operations Forces of the United States]]
[[Category:United States Army]]
[[Category:United States Army Field Manuals]]
[[Category:Vietnam War]]