What is an entrenching tool used for?
The United States Army folding spade, or entrenching tool, has evolved from a single fold shovel with a straight handle, to the tri-fold design with a modified “D” handle thats been adopted by NATO as standard issue.
Besides being used for digging defensive fighting positions, entrenching tools were used for digging latrines and
building fortifications. During World War I, the entrenching spade was also pressed into service as a melee weapon.
My uncle had a Vietnam War-era entrenching tool that he used constantly.
It was his go-to “dirty jobs” shovel and pick, and I remember that thing always being in the garage.
It held up for decades.
…but my favorite shovel of all time makes uncle’s old entrenching tool look like a rusty spoon by comparison.
You can see my new multipurpose shovel combo here.
It’s a whole WORLD away from those old folding survival shovels.
But sometimes, it’s still cool to remember where it all started, you know?
