According to military experts, the successful completion of a combat mission with the least casualties among soldiers is possible with a competent combination of offensive and defense operations. To protect themselves from machine-gun and machine-gun fire, shell fragments and mines, fighters must learn to skillfully use various camouflage means and terrain conditions. Therefore, what a parapet is surely known to every military man. Anyone who is far from the army, but wants to expand his horizons, can read this article.
What is parapet?
Translated from German Brustwehr means "chest" and "protection." The parapet is an element of a fortification in the form of an embankment. Purpose - to shelter the fighter from enemy observation, protect against hit by shells and bullets, as well as provide convenience during firing. The parapet are used in the formation of combat positions. If a soldier, preparing to repel an assault on the enemy, is fortified on the ground, then this element of the fortification will become an additional obstacle.
About device
The inside of the parapet has become a place for barbet, the outside for berm. Barbet is a special bulk site on which an artillery gun is installed. Berm is a bulk ledge outside the parapet. Unlike the embrasure, this element provides the fighter with better angles for aiming the gun, but protects less from bullets. However, using berm will not make it easy for an attacker to enter the trench parapet. At the same time, the presence of berm has a positive effect on the speed of erection of fortifications: it can be supported by workers erecting the parapet. During the battle, when shells and bullets hit the outer slope, the earth is held in place by the berm and does not slip into the moat.
What are fortifications made of?
As a material in the manufacture of iron can be used. This parapet is called armored. Instead of the earthen shaft, the guns are covered with a thick metal wall, which is represented by individual segments, fastened to each other by means of bolts and wedges. Also, natural stone, wood and other improvised building materials are used to build parapetes. According to experts, mainly for this purpose, the military uses ordinary land. This choice is due to the fact that this material is cheap and always at hand. In addition, if a shell hits the earthen parapet, fragments will not form. The opposite effect is found in wooden and stone fortifications.
Finally
If the parapet is erected correctly, the fighter may not be afraid of enemy fire from small arms. However, the tops of the fortifications are not wide enough and penetrate well with shells.