Skill of the Week: Make a Marine Corps Fighting Hole

An important part of manhood has always been about having the competence to be effective in the world — having the breadth of skills, the savoir-faire, to handle any situation you find yourself in. With that in mind, each Sunday we’ll be republishing one of the illustrated guides from our archives, so you can hone your manly know-how week by week

To the uninitiated, a Marine Corps fighting hole appears to be nothing more than a basic burrow in the ground. But it is in fact one of the most effective defensive positions you can make. It requires only a shovel (even just the military-issue, folding kind) to create, and it helps protect you from a variety of environmental and enemy threats. This fighting hole or foxhole features several elements that help keep you dry, warm, and out of the wind. It also keeps you out of sight and protected from shrapnel and gunfire. As Corporals Corner points out in his instructional video on the subject, an additional bonus of a fighting hole is that it acts as an excellent base for a variety of other shelters.

As digging a foxhole is labor intensive, he also advises that you never attempt to make one unless you have adequate calories and water. It’s not a project to undertake when you’re low on energy.

While creating a Marine Corps fighting hole is fairly simple, there are several key components necessary to include if you want to reap all its benefits. Above, you’ll find the scoop, or I guess, the shovel, on how to make one that’ll fit two people.

Like this illustrated guide? Then you’re going to love our book The Illustrated Art of Manliness! Pick up a copy on Amazon.

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