How To Build A Foxhole: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Build a Foxhole PDF download Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles Reviewed by Ben Barkan

Last Updated: February 19, 2026

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This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 80,764 times.

This article explains how to build a standard US Army defensive fighting position.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Select an appropriate site. 1 Select an appropriate site.
  2. Step 2 Dig a rectangular hole 6.5' by 3'. 2 Dig a rectangular hole 6.5' by 3'. The hole should be deep such that if you stand in the hole, the walls come up to your armpits. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Dig sumps four or five inches wide stretching the entire width of the hole on the left and right sides. 3 Dig sumps four or five inches wide stretching the entire width of the hole on the left and right sides. Make these at least two feet deep. These are there so you can dispose of any grenades that are thrown into your foxhole.
  4. Step 4 About a foot and a half in front of the hole, place a row of sandbags two bags high and 6.5' long. 4 About a foot and a half in front of the hole, place a row of sandbags two bags high and 6.5' long. Similarly, place rows of sandbags to the left and right sides of the hole. These support the roof and provide protection from shrapnel and bullets.
  5. Step 5 In the rear, place a centered row of sandbags two sandbags high 1.5' away from the hole but only 3.25' long. 5 In the rear, place a centered row of sandbags two sandbags high 1.5' away from the hole but only 3.25' long.
  6. Step 6 Place 4"-6" logs... 6 Place 4"-6" logs across the top stretching from the back wall of sandbags to the front, cover with a tarpaulin or a poncho for waterproofing, then cover with a small layer of soil. This provides for shelter from the elements and fragmentation.
  7. Step 7 Camouflage the entire thing and be sure to hide or disguise the displaced soil. 7 Camouflage the entire thing and be sure to hide or disguise the displaced soil.
    8. Advertisement

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Tips

  • 4"-6" diameter logs can be used in the place of sandbags if your wife won't let you borrow her pillowcases. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Don't use explosives. They can be dangerous and sometimes even illegal. Don't make the mistake I did. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Roots are awful to dig through. Bring a hatchet, pruning shears, or better still, choose a site that isn't near any trees. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • A shovel
  • Some sandbags (logs can be used instead)
  • A few logs or a saw and access to some trees
  • A tarpaulin or a rain fly

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About This Article

Ben Barkan Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 80,764 times. 82 votes - 87% Co-authors: 11 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 80,764 Categories: Careers in the Military
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 80,764 times.

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ben Barkan Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer Co-authors: 11 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 80,764 87% of readers found this article helpful. 82 votes - 87% Click a star to add your vote

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