War Department Basic Field Manual FM 21-105: Engineer Soldier's Handbook
Washington, DC: U.S. War Department, 1943. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Wraps. 163, {1] pages. Wraps. Illustrations. Maps. Diagrams. Appendices. Index. Black marks to front cover. FM 21-105, Engineer Soldier's Handbook was published for the information and guidance of all concerned. Its purpose was to supplement FM 21-200, Soldier's Handbook, by giving the newly enrolled soldier of the Corps of Engineers, United States Army, a convenient and compact source of military engineer information and thus aid him to perform his duties more efficiently. This reflects the state of knowledge and state of practice during the Second World War. Topics covered include engineer tools and common engineer tasks, engineer tools, elementary rigging, field fortifications, camouflage, explosives and demolitions, engineers and tanks, assault of a fortified position, bridges, boats and rafts, airdromes, engineer reconnaissance, the engineer and his truck, and combat weapons. There are three appendices: engineer organizations and engineer specialists, engineer insignia, and proficiency tests for engineer soldiers. Military engineering is loosely defined as the art, science, and practice of designing and building military works and maintaining lines of military transport and military communications. Military engineers are also responsible for logistics behind military tactics. Modern military engineering differs from civil engineering. In the 20th and 21st centuries, military engineering also includes other engineering disciplines such as mechanical and electrical engineering techniques. According to one respected source, "military engineering is that engineer activity undertaken, regardless of component or service, to shape the physical operating environment. Military engineering incorporates support to maneuver and to the force as a whole, including military engineering functions such as engineer support to force protection, counter-improvised explosive devices, environmental protection, engineer intelligence and military search. Military engineering does not encompass the activities undertaken by those 'engineers' who maintain, repair and operate vehicles, vessels, aircraft, weapon systems and equipment." Military engineering is an academic subject taught in military academies or schools of military engineering. The construction and demolition tasks related to military engineering are usually performed by military engineers including soldiers trained as sappers or pioneers.[3] In modern armies, soldiers trained to perform such tasks while well forward in battle and under fire are often called combat engineers. In some countries, military engineers may also perform non-military construction tasks in peacetime such as flood control and river navigation works, but such activities do not fall within the scope of military engineering. Condition: Good / No dust jacket issued.
Keywords: WWII, Military Manuals, Field Manuals, Engineer Soldiers, Handbooks, Corps of Engineers, Antitank, Explosives, Military Training
[Book #45987]
Price: $47.50