Shovel - short, long, D handle?

That would put a new spin on the wag bag concept, quite the slow moving tractor groover symbol!

 

Although after looking at that link, I see Fiskars makes an all steel round nose - that may just be my next purchase. I've sanded and refinished the wooden handle a couple times now on my current instrument of earth moving.

 

@AxisCab

Edit to add clarification and current [proposed] US Army T&EO:

- can confirm USGI e-tool not only can dig a hole...

• Task: Poop in an austere environment [Deliberate]
• Conditions: Given a functional USGI entrenching tool, individual equipment in a non-CBRN non-MOUT environment, earthen terrain and urge to poop
• Standards: Don't die. Maintain retention focus. Improve esprit de corps!
• Performance measures:

Phase-1:

1. Prepare: Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (to include environmental impact), CONOP, PACE plan and deliver RCOA to higher authority.
2. Gather intel. Conduct map and or leaders recon, Identify Tasks to Train, Submit logistics requests; prepare overlays, sand tables, sector sketches and disseminate taskings to subordinate units
3. Give WARNO, PMCS equipment. Conduct; PCCs/PCIs, sand table exercises, individual camouflaging techniques and dry fire rehearsals
4. upon receiving permission [either "When ready" or "Time on Target"] using verbal and visual signaling techniques give GOTWA to chain of command, exit the assembly area or fighting position i.a.w. unit SOP

Phase-2

1. using appropriate individual movement techniques; tactically move towards the selected pooping location and perform a short [listening] halt
2. conduct 5 and 25s
3. METT-TC: [if available]: emplace defensive, signaling, and listening devices [BAIS, M18a1 (claymore mine), trip flares, flame fougasse etc.)
4. conduct pre-mount checks
5. uncase and fully extend e-tool. With a clockwise rotation fully tighten e-tool locking ring
6. Prepare to move. Weapons tight

Phase-3

1. With: individual weapon in the non firing hand, entrenching tool in the dominant hand; M18a1 "clacker", BAIS listening device, signaling and obscuring devises secured to LBV/IOTV and necessary toiletries in cargo pocket; quickly move to the selected location
2. confirm terrain is soft enough to dig a suitable hole but also firm enough to fully support the SMs body weight when perched upon the entrenching tool [select alternate location if necessary]
3. sling/holster individual weapon and dig a hole approximately 6" wide, 12" long and at least 12" deep. lateral edges must be sharp i.o.t. allow spade to be dug into the adjacent ground within one butt cheeks distance from the hole so that when seated with one cheek on the handle the SMs torso is centered over the hole
4. loosen the e-tool locking ring and fold the handle 90 degrees with the handle end oriented towards the back side of the spade. re-tighten the locking ring.
5. firmly plant the spade in the ground within butt cheek distance of the lateral edge of the hole. The [folded] handle should be horizontal with the ground oriented towards the hole
6. assume the ready position. Weapons free
7. execute [reference FM 21-96]

Phase-4

1. conduct battle damage assessment
2. cover and conceal impact area
3. recover signaling and defensive devises
4. perform sensitive items check and stow equipment
5. tactically [high-crawl/low-crawl/3-5 second rush] return to ECP or alternate position [i.a.w. GOTWA / Unit SOP]

Phase-5

1. cross FLOT and re-enter assembly area or fighting position utilizing challenge and password or running password
2. check-in with chain of command [trip ticket?], re-inventory sensitive items
3. conduct personal hygiene
4. conduct AAR
5. "Get back in the fight TROOP!"

Candidate will be scored a No-Go if they:

• Fail to follow any of the performance measures outlined above
• Select and utilize a location with insufficient concealment or defilade as to offend other friendly forces
• Poop anywhere other than inside of the selected location [hole]
• Fall inside the hole during the execution phase of the task
• Fall off e-tool during recovery phase and end up with a hand, arm, foot or head inside of the hole
• Drop sensitive items or equipment inside hole
• Fall inside someone else's hole or by their own actions [insufficient cover and concealment] allow someone else to fall inside their hole [Statue of Limitations to be determined by NCOIC]
• Negligently discharge individual weapon, Claymore mine, signaling or obscuring devise(s)
• Fail to back-brief their fire team or squad

 

This is art

 

If you're practical, and think along the lines of usefulness.....then it depends on the space you have available. If i take my truck...I'm carrying a long shovel...with the jeep, I carry the short "D" handle shovel. The long one is the bestt to have in that it lets you get under the vehicle better, and is so much easier on your back. I always bring my e-tool....because it's cool to have. 1956 folding w/pick and canvas pouch....lol. you can show off a long shovel on your rack just as easily as the others.

 

I've had a short D handle in mine for years. And it's been adequate for the sand adventures I've had. But it's been used on other vehicles rather than mine...

The NPS rangers in Canyonlands all have the long handle shovels so that probably says something.

 

got this J DEERE at ace for about 30.......haven't had to use it yet

 

Get a real shovel. 4 foot handle. I quick fist mine in the front of the bed.

 

Standard handle on official USFS shovel. Best shovel ever!

 

... I don't know your intent, but as a recovery tool I wouldn't go with a transfer shovel...

 

Get a “sharp shooter” spade with a long handle and with some heft to it. You can’t get that at Lowes or Home Depot.

Try your local commercial landscaping supply house. I wouldn’t consider digging without it.