Simple Sabotage Field Manual

The manual presents a concise guide to “simple sabotage,” a low‑tech approach that lets ordinary citizens disrupt an occupying power without needing special equipment or training. Written in early 1944 for the Office of Strategic Services, it outlines how everyday items—salt, nails, candles, even a misplaced thread—can become tools for undermining enemy operations while keeping risk of detection and retaliation to a minimum. The tone is pragmatic, emphasizing discreet actions that fit naturally into daily routines, whether in a factory, an office, or a household.

Beyond the mechanics, the text explores the human element: how a non‑cooperative attitude, a misplaced decision, or a small argument can ripple into larger delays and waste. It explains why fostering a mindset of purposeful “stupidity” can be an effective weapon, and it offers suggestions for keeping volunteers motivated over time. The manual’s purpose is to turn the ordinary citizen into a subtle but persistent source of disruption, turning the mundane into a strategic advantage.