Operating Procedures: Tunnel Rats of Vietnam (#1 & #2) Developed: 03 Author: Nick Crowther

Review History: 08/08 (DC) Next Review 08 / 13 05/10 (DC, PT, JC, PR, SB) 08/12 (DC, BV, DS)

Background

In Cu Chi District, some 70 kms from Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, one can still see the legendary tunnel systems the Viet Minh (later the Viet Cong) dug to hide themselves, their weapons and stores. Eventually the Viet Cong controlled the whole area stretching from Saigon to the Cambodian border from this tunnel complex. The tunnels are an engineering marvel, ad-libbed as they branched out, first in the fight against French colonial rule, then in the war against the US backed South Vietnamese government. The first tunnels were started 1948 to store food and serve as shelters during the war against French occupation. They were about 48 kilometres (30 miles) long and consisted of one level. Then, as the Vietnam War heated up in the early 1960s, the tunnels were connected village to village in areas that were largely pro-North Vietnam. By the end of the war, the tunnels stretched for more than 250 kilometers and included three levels, the lowest 8-10 meters below the surface. It is said that the Cu Chi complex could have held up to 10,000 people, although the peak during the war was about 5,000 to 6,000 at a time. The tunnels were dug with corners between 60 – 120 degrees that made shooting in a straight line impossible, and helped to deflect explosive blasts from grenades that might be thrown down. Each level was separated by a watertight trap door, which would seal the rest of the system against gas, flooding, etc. The trap doors themselves were virtually undetectable and could fool a person into believing that the tunnel finished in a dead end, when in reality it led into a huge elaborate system of other passages. These passages would in turn lead to underground weapons factories, ammo dumps, kitchens, air raid shelters, field hospitals with surgery theatres, store rooms, workshops, latrines, and even drama theatres. All the tunnels had smaller thin (drain pipe sized) ventilation shafts leading from the surface down to the 1st level. These vents were constructed with an oblique angle so as to prevent the monsoon rains flooding the system. Vents were placed so as to face east and the light of a new day, whilst others were placed toward the wind so as to provide a constant cooling draught. Despite these efforts the tunnels were still hot, dark, and claustrophobic, even at the best of times. Then there were the snakes, scorpions, spiders, bats, giant land crabs and fire ants. Food often consisted of little more than cassava roots and vegetables. Small entrances, only 200 mm x 350 mm, covered with by perfectly camouflaged hatches with leaves glued in place vanished seamlessly when shut. Some sections of the tunnels were so narrow that even the small framed Vietnamese had barely enough room to wriggle through. These sections kept most Allied troops out of the complex. Those who did crawl in, dubbed "tunnel rats," faced the snakes, scorpions, etc as well as the Viet Cong who set up devilish booby traps and ambushes on the narrow switchbacks.

The ‘Tunnel Rat’ had to be a special breed. He had to have an even temperament, an inquisitive mind, a lot of

common sense (in order to know what to touch and what not to), and to be exceptionally brave. All were volunteers, most (not all) were small men of slight build who could squeeze through the tight trap doors and crawl along the narrow passages. They usually went down in pairs and sometimes threes but some preferred to go alone. It was an incredibly stressful and nerve-racking job. Usually only armed with a pistol, a knife and a flashlight, the Tunnel Rat would descend into a pitch black, claustrophobic and dank hell, to play a deadly game of hide and seek with the enemy sometimes for hours. Carefully checking the floor, sides and roofs of the tunnels, the Tunnel Rat would gently inch and probe his way along feeling for wires or tree roots that didn't quite feel right, knowing that anyone of them could detonate a booby trap and blow him to smithereens. Occasionally under the strain a man’s nerves would break and he'd be dragged from the tunnel screaming and crying. Once this happened he would never be allowed down a tunnel again. No dead ‘Tunnel Rats’ were ever left in a tunnel, dead or wounded, they were all dragged out with comms wire, ropes, or by a comrade using a fireman's crawl. If going down into a tunnel posed a threat, then coming up again could be just as dangerous. A little guy stripped to the waist and covered in dirt could easily be mistaken for a VC and shot by his own side. The Cu Chi tunnels tells us something about: 1. The communist soldier’s motivation, dedication and willingness to sacrifice themselves in constructing the tunnels over a period of some 20 years and spending long periods underground … some did not see the sun for a month, only going out at night.

2. The Tunnel Rats’ incredible bravery and willingness to sacrifice themselves to protect their mates in tackling the tunnels despite all their horrors. TUNNEL RATS OF VIETNAM Activity Design # 1 • This activity emulates a Vietnam tunnel with participants going through two sections of tunnel • The second section includes a bouldering exercise around the inside of the tank and is generally regarded as the more

difficult section. • Participants climb through the tunnels assisting others where required. • The tunnels are concrete pipe sections set into the ground at various angles and directions. • There are steep downhill sections that participants must enter feet first and one vertical climb that most participants require

assistance to be boosted & assisted out. • An emergency rescue tunnel is provided to enable facilitators to get to participants in trouble at the most difficult point in the

tunnel system.

Method: • Thorough safety brief given, including the required method of entering each section. • There are also signs at each entry point indicating the appropriate entry direction. ♦ First & second section feet first. ♦ Third section (the slide), feet first and legs STRAIGHT (legs do not need to be locked straight – but should not be bent),

holding the rope. ♦ The consequences of getting stuck if participants enter with bent knees or knees first and or feet crossed should be

explained. ♦ Participants should slide through until they can put their head up in the chimney and then stand up and climb, boost & be

lifted out. ♦ Final section into tank head first. The facilitator should be positioned close to the slide in order to supervise both the slide and the chimney. Through careful observation and regular checks the facilitator can also supervise activity inside the tank. • The decline slide has a knotted rope to assist the participant decline.

o This may be removed for an older or elite group that requires an extra challenge, however for efficiency and safety the rope is typically left in.

o If removed participants use their hands to apply pressure to the top of the pipe (at about chest height) in order to slow their descent.

• Ensure correct lifting procedure is used to exit the chimney. The majority of the work should come from the bottom in the

form of a booster. • The booster should stand on the concrete lip at the bottom of the chimney and allow the next person to stand on their thigh,

then shoulder and then assist to lift them up, providing support. • There should be 1 – 2 people lifting form above the chimney who first grab the participants hands and then support under

their armpits to assist the out of the chimney. • The participant may find it easier to get their hands to the top of the chimney and then assist themselves with some external

support. • To accommodate for difficult situations or very large participants or primary aged groups the tunnel can be exited via the

escape tunnel. • The group should decide who is the last person in the chimney as they will need to be lifted out. • They may use the rope ladder supported by team mates for this exit.

• Make sure final section entered head first, emphasise that if for some reason this does not happen that they must not attempt to turn around, but come out and start again.

• Monitor the number of entrants into each section to ensure no traffic jams. It is possible to wait outside the tunnel after the chimney and before entering the final section

Decline Tunnel Rescue • Reassure and calm participant if required ie there will be trouble getting them out. • If possible lift the participant out from the top of the decline. • If possible, assist them to straighten their legs and continue. • If stuck, either

o Reach and pull feet up behind them – It may be necessary to use a snatch strap – located in the equipment box in the kokoda shed. (The extra passive movement allows the participant to be pulled out).

o The worst case scenario would involve significant earth moving with a tractor or excavator and removing a section of pipe.

• In the case of a rescue due to injury, fainting or asthma etc… use the following:

o Do an initial assessment and determine if more help will be required, if so, contact emergency services. o In the equipment box located in the kokoda shed is a flat, flexible stretcher fitted with adjustable straps and long

ropes. o The facilitator should enter the tunnels and administer any immediate first aid. o Slide the stretcher under the casualty and secure the straps. o Long ropes are attached to the stretcher and the facilitator may use other Emu Gully, group staff or other participants

to carefully pull the ropes and assist the casualty from the tunnel. Safety Issues #1: • Check all tunnels particularly the first section for wasps and other intruders (check sections from both ends) • Check for water in chimney section. • Check ropes are accessible and in good condition if required. • Check if there are any severe asthmatics present and monitor their progress through the tunnel system. Ensure radio, phone,

rope, ladder, first aid kit and first aid person are accessible. • Make sure any person who is claustrophobic has adequate support. Encourage them to do the activity but explain they can

skip some parts if really cannot do it … still remain in the activity … Challenge by Choice. • Make sure someone is stationed at the first downhill slide section to make sure legs are straight and descent is slow. • Make sure adequate supervision of chimney section and tank including getting off tank roof. • Keep good discipline, accidents happen when participants “goof off.” Activity Design #2 • This activity emulates a Vietnam tunnel with participants going through tunnel.Participants climb through the tunnels

assisting others where required. • The tunnels have been constructed with box sections of steel and galvanized tin walls. • The floor has been concreted and the obstacles ie; rocks and concrete barriers have been set into the ground at various angles

and directions. • Whenever the tunnel goes downhill, or participants cannot directly feel the concrete beneath them for the next step, they

should proceed feet first. • There is one vertical section that participants will requires assistance to negotiate. • Emergency rescue doors are provided to enable facilitators to monitor and assist participants where necessary.

Method / Rules: • A thorough safety brief is given, including the required method of entering each section. That is, generally this tunnel can be

crawled through head first. • However, participants are advised that to move slowly, and if they cannot feel immediately in front of them with their hands,

they should turn around and progress feet first. • Participants are also advised to do the downhill section feet first. • Whilst going through the tunnel the participants should be looking for any signs of life & if found rescue any individual (Ie;

there is a dummy located in the room, that requires finding and rescuing). • Ensure correct lifting procedure used if participant needs assistance. (A ladder should be available for difficult situations eg

someone who is heavy and unfit). • Monitor the number of entrants into each section to ensure no traffic jams. • In the unlikely event of someone being stuck, the following procedure should be adopted.

o Reassure and calm participant if required Ie: there will be trouble getting them out. o Facilitator to physically open the closest exit lid and assist them through, or, o Allow them to exit the tunnel at this point.

Safety Issues: • Check all tunnels for snakes, bees, spiders, wasps and other intruders (check sections from both ends and open each lid).

Remove if necessary / possible. (A torch may be necessary). • Check for water in chimney section. • Check if there are any severe asthmatics present to see if they have their medication on them. (monitor closely). • Ensure radio, phone, ladder, first aid kit and first aid person are accessible. • Make sure any person who is claustrophobic has adequate support. Encourage them to do the activity but explain they can

skip some parts if really cannot do it … still remain in the activity … Challenge by Choice. • Ensure that the group is working together assisting each other through each section. • Keep good discipline, accidents happen when participants “goof off.” Possible Variations: • Leaving doors open. • Having more than one task to do – eg get group through, find and rescue a dummy, retrieve intelligence etc… • Completing the task in stealth. • Allow the use of torches. • Do the tunnels at night. • The facilitator may set the tunnel as a compound that they are guarding & participants may only enter when it is safe (when

the guards back is turned etc…). Evaluation • How well did the group support and encourage one another? • What level of determination was there to complete the bouldering section / whole tunnel? • How many made it through? Debriefing points. Courage if worried about enclosed spaces. Where and how they could improve. Coolness under stress … ability to handle pressure. Get students to share their experiences, use the Gap model where appropriate. Move onto generalisation and transfer. Other points may include: Mateship, Self-sacrifice – eg, standing in the water, boosting, going through with scared team mate rather than going first or with own friends etc…