materials. This knowledge can be obtained easily by anyone. United States Army publications are the
principle source of this knowledge.
The following is a list of these publications:
FM 31-20
Special Forces Operational Techniques
FM 21-50
Ranger Training and Operations
FM 19-30
Physical Security
FM 5-13
Engineer Soldier's Handbook
FM 5-25
Explosives and Demolitions
FM 20-32
Landmine Warfare
ST 31-180
Special Forces Handbook
Commercial books are another source of knowledge. Lenz's Explosives and Bomb Disposal Guide is
the most well-known book. It was written to educate police bomb disposal personnel. The Anarchist
Cookbook by William Powell contains recipes for explosives and know-how to make bombs, fuses, and
booby traps. Advice on where these devices can be placed to do the most harm is also provided.
Extremist groups have distributed their own guides based on military and commercial publications.
These guides explain the manufacture and placement of bombs. They also encourage readers to use
this knowledge against targets of political significance.
Explosive material is obtained mostly by theft. Between January 1969 and May 1970, 31,370 pounds
of explosives, 94,018 blasting caps, and 101,504 feet of detonation cord or fuses were stolen. In this
same period, 304 M14 antipersonnel mines were stolen from a test range operated by a private
research institute. The most common targets for theft are construction sites. Military installations are
another source of explosives.
Explosives can be easily purchased in some places. Theft is not always necessary. Laws governing
the sale and possession of explosives vary from state to state. Title IX of the Organized Crime Control
Act of 1970 makes Federal crimes out of several acts, including:
o Interstate transport of explosives to cause property damage, injury, or death.
o Use of explosives to damage any Federal buildings.
o Use or carrying of explosives during the commission of a felony.
o Use of explosives to damage buildings, property, or vehicles used in interstate or foreign
commerce.
o Making a bomb threat through the use of an interstate instrument, such as the mail or telephone
system.
MP2001
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