Pack Animals in Support of Army Special Operations Forces; FM 31-27
Washington DC: United States. Department of Defense. Department of the Army, Headquarters. 2000. Presumed First Edition, First printing thus. Staplebound. Various paginations (approximately 125 pages). Illustrations. Glossary. Bibliography. Index. Three-holed punched and two staples at left side between the punch holes. Approximately 8.5 inches and 11 inches. Cover has some wear and soiling. Distribution was restricted but there is evidence that this restriction is no longer applicable (copies on line). This manual provides guidance for training Army special operations forces (ARSOF) personnel in the techniques of animal pack transport and for organizing and operating pack animal units. It captures some of the expertise and techniques that have been lost in the United States (U.S.) Army over the last 50 years. The chapters on care, feeding, and veterinary medicine compose a considerable portion of the manual; however, this material is not intended as a substitute for veterinary expertise nor will it make a veterinarian out of the reader. ARSOF personnel must have a rudimentary knowledge of anatomy and physiology, common injuries, diseases, feeding, and watering to properly care for the animals and to avoid abusing them from overloading or overworking. Though many types of beasts of burden may be used for pack transportation, this manual focuses on horses, mules, and a few other animals. One cannot learn how to pack an animal by reading; there is no substitute for having a horse or mule while you practice loading a packsaddle. The manual is useful for anyone going into an environment where these skills are applicable. Field Manual (FM) 31-27 is a guide for ARSOF personnel to use when employed in training or combat situations using pack animals. More