Introduction Operation Dove (“Unternehmen Taube” in German) also sometimes known as Operation Pigeon, was an Abwehr sanctioned mission devised in early 1940. The plan envisioned the transport of IRA Chief of Staff Seán Russell to Ireland, and on the arrival of Frank Ryan in Berlin three days before the launch of the operation, it was… Read More
Introduction A neutral country is a state that is neutral towards belligerents in a specific war or holds itself as permanently neutral in all future conflicts (including avoiding entering into military alliances such as NATO, CSTO or the SCO). As a type of non-combatant status, nationals of neutral countries enjoy protection under the law of… Read More
Introduction During World War I and World War II, Switzerland maintained armed neutrality, and was not invaded by its neighbours, in part because of its topography, much of which is mountainous. Germany was a threat and Switzerland built a powerful defense. It served as a “protecting power” for the belligerents of both sides, with a… Read More
Introduction An area denial weapon is a defensive device used to prevent an adversary from occupying or traversing an area of land, sea or air. The specific method used does not have to be totally effective in preventing passage (and sometimes is not) as long as it is sufficient to severely restrict, slow down, or… Read More
Introduction The sudis (plural sudes) was a stake carried by Roman legionaries for employment as a field fortification, sometimes also called vallus. It is frequently, but incorrectly, called a pilum murale (“wall spear”). Typically, two such stakes were carried by each soldier. Refer to Cheval de Frise, Czech Hedgehog, Caltrop, Dragon’s Teeth, and Makibishi. Construction… Read More
Introduction The term makibishi (撒き菱 or 撒菱) refers to the Japanese version of the caltrop. The tool (igadama) is a sharp spiked object that was used in feudal Japan to slow down pursuers and also was used in the defense of samurai fortifications. Refer to Cheval de Frise, Czech Hedgehog, Dragon’s Teeth, and Sudis. Outline… Read More
Introduction Dragon’s teeth (German: Drachenzähne) are square-pyramidal anti-tank obstacles of reinforced concrete first used during the Second World War to impede the movement of tanks and mechanised infantry. The idea was to slow down and channel tanks into killing zones where they could easily be disposed of by anti-tank weapons. They were employed extensively, particularly… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 