What is a military shovel called?
An entrenching tool (U.K.), intrenching tool (U.S.), E-tool, or trenching tool is a digging tool used by military forces for a variety of military purposes. Survivalists, campers, hikers and other outdoors groups have found it to be indispensable in field use.
Table of Contents
What entrenching tool does the US Army use?
The United States Army folding spade, or entrenching tool, has evolved from a single fold spade with a straight handle, to a tri-fold design with a modified “D” handle design with all steel construction, to a similar light weight plastic and steel tri-fold design adopted by NATO as the standard issue entrenching tool.

How much does an Army E tool weight?
This is a military issue Entrenching tool, folding shovel made in the USA by AMES. It is light and easy to carry, fordable for convenience. Approximately 1.5 pounds, ultra compact. The multi use entrenching tool has a saw tooth edge and adjustable head.
What is a camping shovel used for?
A shovel’s main uses (when it comes to camping and other outdoor excursions) are as follows: to dig a hole for defecation, to move embers around in a campfire, to dig a rain trench around your tent, to level ground to pitch a tent, to dig a fire pit and for off-roading mishaps.
Do soldiers still carry entrenching tools?
By the time World War II came around, the fixed entrenching tool evolved into the foldable design we know today. The shovel head’s angle can now be adjusted so that it can be used as a spade, hoe, and pickaxe. Up to this day, modern armies still consider the e-tool as an important part of their packs.

Why do soldiers have shovels?
Ground-breaking History: Shovels and E-Tools
Soldiers dig trenches, dugouts, and shelters, as well as fighting positions and foxholes. They also dig latrines and cooking pits, move debris and rubble, and fill sandbags during emergencies.
Are E-tools useful?
Primarily used by soldiers to dig trenches and defensive positions, the e-tool has now evolved into an essential instrument for every prepper and outdoorsman. An e-tool can be used in a lot of ways—from digging latrines and foxholes to shelter-making, hygiene, and even cooking.
What is the best shovel for camping?
The 10 Best Camping Shovels
- Steel Folding Camping Shovel.
- Multi-practical Tool Shovel.
- Entrenching Camping Shovel Tool.
- Camping Shovel With Saw Edge.
- Camping Shovel With Pick.
- Mini Shovel With Sturdy Grip.
- A Classic Compact Shovel.
- Multi-practical Survival Shovel Tool.
Who makes the best camping shovel?
5 Best Shovels For Camping
- IKURAM Portable Folding Camping Shovel. The IKURAM portable camping shovel is one of the lightest on the market, weighing just 1.54 Pounds.
- LOOYUAN Multitool Tactical Shovel.
- OKOOLCAMP Survival Camping Shovel.
- aiGear Folding Military Shovel.
- Overmont Military Folding Camping Shovel.
How do armies dig trenches?
Each trench was dug in a type of zigzag so that no enemy, standing at one end, could fire for more than a few yards down its length. Each of the main lines of trenches was connected to each other and to the rear by a series of communications trenches that were dug roughly perpendicular to them.
Did they use shovels in WW2?
The M1910 shovel was used through the inter-war years and throughout WW2. Each American infantryman carried an M1910 Shovel, it was critical for creating temporary shelters or foxholes.
Do I need a survival shovel?
Digging a firepit is one of the most important things you need to do when setting up camp. Building a firebreak and leveling the ground is hard work – you need the assistance of a survival shovel. A survival shovel comes in handy around the campsite. Use it to dig out your firepit or dig your SUV out of a mud pit.
How wide is a trenching shovel?
How wide is a trenching shovel? Trenching shovels are narrow, with blades typically no wider than 6 inches. Some are as narrow as 3 inches.
Why is trench warfare no longer used?
The development of armoured warfare and combined arms tactics permitted static lines to be bypassed and defeated, leading to the decline of trench warfare after the war. Following World War I, “trench warfare” became a byword for stalemate, attrition, sieges, and futility in conflict.
Why did ww2 not have trenches?
In summary: The ability of radio-coordinated mechanized forces to maneuver in concert was what made trench-warfare untenable for most World War II fronts. These mechanized forces existed at the end of a long supply line, capable of operating at far greater distances and far greater speeds than previously possible.
Why is there a shovel with a hole in it?
Unique to the shield-shovel was the inclusion of a 3.5 by 2 inch sight-hole in the blade. The shovel was intended to be used as a shield by folding the handle to ~90° toward the concave side of the blade, exposing the spike that ran along the handle opposite the blade.
What is in a tactical shovel?
23-IN-1 TACTICAL SHOVEL – Mempa’s Tactical shovel Multi-Tool Shovel includes an ax, hex driver, serrated knife, wire cutter, hoe, harpoon, saw, bottle opener, safety hammer, Phillips head bit, flathead bit, and fire starter. Be prepared for any situation!
Do I need a shovel for hiking?
If you are going on an overnight backpacking trip or a thru-hike, you should carry a shovel with you. You might think that kicking the dirt with your shoe will create a large enough hole for your needs, but in most cases it is not.
What is the fastest way to dig a trench?
What is the Fastest Way to Dig a Trench by Hand? A specially designed trenching shovel is the quickest tool for the job if you are digging a trench by hand. These shovels have sharp tips and long heads. This allows you to easily excavate to the right width and depth with a single scoop.
What is the fastest way to dig a trench by hand?
Quick tip: The easiest way to dig a trench by hand – YouTube
Do any World war 1 trenches still exist?
A few of these places are private or public sites with original or reconstructed trenches preserved as a museum or memorial. Nevertheless, there are still remains of trenches to be found in remote parts of the battlefields such as the woods of the Argonne, Verdun and the mountains of the Vosges.
Is Shell Shock real?
The term “shell shock” was coined by the soldiers themselves. Symptoms included fatigue, tremor, confusion, nightmares and impaired sight and hearing. It was often diagnosed when a soldier was unable to function and no obvious cause could be identified.
What weapon caused the most casualties in ww2?
Yet it was not until the Allied air campaigns over Germany and Japan that firebombing proved itself to be the most deadly weapon of the war. The death toll from the fire-bombing of Tokyo alone was greater than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
What weapon killed the most in ww1?
The greatest number of casualties and wounds were inflicted by artillery, followed by small arms, and then by poison gas. The bayonet, which was relied on by the prewar French Army as the decisive weapon, actually produced few casualties.
What are 3 types of shovels?
Types of Shovel
- Edging Shovel. This shovel is specifically designed to create neat edges around lawns or borders, creating a clean definitive edge.
- Trench Shovel.
- Flat Shovel.
- Tree-Planting Shovel.
- Power Shovel.
- Post Hole Shovel.
- Handheld Shovel.
- Root Shovel.