• pelya@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    23
    ·
    4 days ago

    Among field troops in Vietnam it became common knowledge that ingestion of a small amount of C-4 would produce a “high” similar to that of ethanol. Others would ingest C-4, commonly obtained from a Claymore mine, to induce temporary illness in the hope of being sent on sick leave.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-4_(explosive)

      • taladar@sh.itjust.works
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        4 days ago

        They might be off about the temporary part and possibly the illness part if that turns into injury instead but other than that spot on.

      • pivot_root@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        9
        ·
        4 days ago

        Group number 2 was certainly in for an unpleasant time.

        C-4 has toxic effects on humans when ingested. Within a few hours multiple generalized seizures, vomiting, and changes in mental activity occur.

          • pivot_root@lemmy.world
            link
            fedilink
            English
            arrow-up
            4
            ·
            4 days ago

            Oh, I’m aware. Much like intentionally losing part of your leg to trenchfoot in a desperate attempt to get out of being mowed down by a barrage of bullets or burned alive by mustard gas or chloramine.

            It’s still not a pleasant time, though.

    • Sylvartas@lemmy.worldOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      4
      ·
      4 days ago

      Huh. Not as bad as I expected. Also I am somehow not surprised that this has actually been done enough to be documented