Tunnels used in War Zones :: essays research papers

Tunnels The first characteristic of a tunnel complex is normally superb camouflage. Entrances and exits are concealed, bunkers are camouflaged and even inside the tunnel itself, side tunnels are concealed, hidden trapdoors, and dead-ends where used to confuse the attacker. Trapdoors were used extensively, both at entrances and exits and inside the tunnel complex itself. There where several different types of trapdoors, concrete covered by dirt, hard packed dirt reinforced by wire, or a basin type consisting of a frame filled with dirt. This latter type was particularly difficult to locate in that probing would not reveal the presence of the trapdoor unless the outer frame was actually struck by the probe. Trapdoors covering entrances were generally 100 meters apart. Booby traps were used both inside and outside entrance and exit trapdoors. Tunnels found in the War Zones were generally better constructed than those found in other areas. In some cases these complexes were multileveled, with storage and hiding rooms generally found on the lower levels. Entrance was often gained through concealed trapdoors and secondary tunnels. In the deeper complexes, foxholes were dug at intervals to provide water drainage. These were sometimes booby-trapped as well as containing punji-stakes for the unwary attacker. Average tunnel size was 2-feet wide and 2.5 to 3-feet high. They also used air or water locks that acted as firewalls, preventing blast, fragments or gas from passing from one section of the tunnel to another. A trained tunnel exploitation team was essential to the expeditions of VC tunnels since untrained people may have missed hidden tunnel entrances, taken unnecessary casualties from concealed mines and booby traps . To facilitate this, teams were trained, equipped and maintained in a ready status to provide immediate assistance when tunnels were discovered. Hiding VC attempted to evade and avoid all contact with government forces for any one of many reasons and this was the normal reaction for a VC unit when confronted with a superior government force. Frequently however, GVN tactics or time/distance considerations made it necessary for the VC to evade by physically hiding in villages, or becoming one of the local population. This article is concerned with this one aspect of VC escape and evasion technique and is especially oriented to the situation presented when search operations were made more difficult because they were conducted in the presence of a friendly or passive populace. Protection of equipment was equally important, if not more so, than protection of personnel.

Ethnocentrism Definition Essay

What is ethnocentrism? Are ethnocentric values reflected in mass media? If so, provide examples. If not, why not? Ethnocentrism is when one places a culture, values, and views over that of another culture. This can be associated with American popular culture as the message with any popular trend tends to be a popularity contest. Quite often products are sold based off the insinuation that it is better than any other product out there. For instance, a popular recurring fad is the Michael Jordan shoe, Air Jordans. These shoes have been around for years and have earned its popularity through many communities. The shoe is so popular and exclusive that older shoes from the past are re-launched for those that were unable to get them on the original launch date. The message that is present within the advertisement is that wearing Air Jordans makes you ‘cooler’ than anyone else not wearing them. This can too be applied to any other name brand item such as cereal. General Mills has a message out there that you get more nutrients from their cereal over any brand. This may also be associated with religious and different ethnic groups when one believes that their religion is better than the other based off of their own values and beliefs. Being ethnocentric can definitely drive a wedge between relationships as it is a form of prejudice. One should practice being more receptive of other cultures and beliefs to help avoid conflict and form personal connections with individuals within another culture.

Vlad the Impaler The definition of Evil - 1545 Words

Cassandra Mr. McNeil CHW 3M1-03 May 29, 2013 Vlad the Impaler: The definition of Evil One mans good could be another mans evil. Some men follow through with acts that are so morally and ethically depraved that no sane person could justify them. Vlad the Impaler, a.k.a. Vlad III, Dracula or Tepes was a man who reigned Wallachia for a bloody six years and relished in the heinous acts that he committed. Born in 1431, like his father, Vlad III, had become a member of the Order of the Dragon, an order of elite selected royal families in Europe. They ruled Wallachia geographically between two strong powered neighbors: Hungary and Turkey. Vlad II regained his throne by giving up his two sons to Istanbul as hostages and offered†¦show more content†¦The victim’s legs and arms were pulled apart and a stake was inserted up the buttocks and impelled carefully through the body parallel to the spine. Then the person would be lifted and the stake would slowly work itself, by the means of gravity out of the body, sometimes though the mouth or the chest. â€Å" The end of the stake was usually oiled and care was taken that the stake not be too sharp, else the victim might die too rapidly from shock† (Atrocities of Vlad Tepes. www.donlinke.com). Impalement was Vlad’s preferred method of execution, which is why he is known as â€Å"Vlad the Impaler†. The method was used for its shock value and the immense suffering that the victim experienced was the whole objective. Impalement wasn’t just to enforce order; it soon became a casual pleasure for him. Vlad III commonly impaled thousands at one time, arranging the bodies on the outskirts to ward off enemies and also around his castle. There would be times he impaled due to boredom and if a corpse fell off their stake, they were immediately replaced with a new victim. The infamous occurrence was the occasion in which Vlad created a forest of impaled, dying, screaming people to ward off the enemy intruders. â€Å"It was once reported that an invading Turkish army t urned back in fright when it encountered thousands of rotting corpses impaled on the banks of the Danube.†(Atrocities of Vlad Tepes. www.donlinke.com). A stench of decomposing bodies filled the airShow MoreRelatedDracula, By Bram Stoker1492 Words   |  6 Pagescharacters to give them life as a vampire. In every story, most of the characters are considered either â€Å"bad† and â€Å"evil† or â€Å"good† and â€Å"friendly†. These labels are based on the characters actions, thoughts (when possible), and personality traits. In Dracula, Count Dracula would primarily be classified as the antagonist and evil. As previously mentioned, this is based on the fact that he made evil decisions, and had very bad qualities about him. However, in Twilight, Edward is a much more difficult characterRead MoreVampires Real?1083 Words   |  5 Pages The definition of vampire is a person who lives solely by preying on other people (Vampire). There have been importa nt figures in history that can fit in that description, and have been depicted throughout history as vampires. The first is Vlad the Impaler, known for his brutality and need for blood; he’s said to have killed thousands of prisoners by awful means of torture. He did not drink their blood or do any kind of religious ceremony with the blood, but he was a vampire by definition. He not