Spider hole
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In military slang, a spider hole is a type of camouflaged one-man foxhole, similar to a surveillance/hidesite used for observation.[1]
Etymology
The term is usually understood to be an allusion to the camouflaged hole constructed by the trapdoor spider.
According to United States Marine Corps historian Major Chuck Melson, the term originated in the American Civil War, when it meant a hastily dug foxhole.[citation needed]
Following the
Design
A spider hole is typically a shoulder-deep, protective, round hole, often covered by a camouflaged lid, in which a soldier can stand and fire a weapon. A spider hole differs from a typical foxhole in that a foxhole is usually deeper and designed to emphasize cover rather than concealment.
Use
Spider holes were used during
Spider holes were also used by fighters of the Viet Cong and soldiers of the People's Army of Vietnam during the Vietnam War as both defensive and offensive fortifications, where VC/PAVN fighters could either seek shelter from combat with ARVN, US or other allied forces, or could conceal themselves in preparation for a surprise attack.
On December 13, 2003, during the
See also
References
- ^ Staff (April 18, 2003), "Chapter 5 Security Operations: 5-27. Types of ground observation posts.", FM 3-21.94: The Stryker Brigade Combat Team Infantry Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon, Washington D.C.: Headquarters Department of the United States Army
- ^ Safire, William (2003-12-15). "From the 'Spider Hole'". New York Times.
- ^ Cannon, M. Hamlin. Leyte: The Return to the Philippines. U.S. Army Center of Military History, 1954., p 211
- ISBN 978-1-84603-212-7.
- ^ "'We Got Him,' and Then a Call by American and Iraqi Officials for Reconciliation". New York Times. 2003-12-15.