“	The ground is just another obstacle that hasn't been cleared yet.	„
	~ SGM Janet Jones, S.E.A.F. Excavation Corps

The CQC-72 Entrenchment Tool is a vital piece of pioneering equipment that liberates trenches, foxholes, and subterranean objects from earthen captivity. This compact folding shovel features serrated sidecuts, angled point, and sharpened edges to more easily penetrate the ground, carapaces, oil lines, or ablative plating. Whether used to start a colonial garden, expand a defensive berm, or finish an encroaching enemy, they are almost as ubiquitous as firearms.

Role

The Entrenchment Tool inflicts more damage than the CQC-30 Stun Baton, but lacks the additional stun effect. Like the Stun Baton, it is swung in a wide arc, capable of clearing multiple enemies in front of a Helldiver, but lacking the range of the CQC-19 Stun Lance. The tool is swung with one hand, allowing use while carrying a package or the Ballistic Shield.

While holding Aim, the entrenchment tool can dig into soft ground. This can provide light cover against ranged fire. With sufficient effort, trenches can be dug to improve movement while in cover. When used with a Ballistic or Directional Shield, note that holding Aim will raise the shield, but also lower the attack rate of the tool, and possibly expose the wielder to counterattack. Passive blocking should be used to maintain the fast attack rate.

Like the SG-88 Break-Action Shotgun, the entrenchment tool can only be picked up in an active mission area, and occupies the Support Weapon slot in a Helldiver's loadout.

Helldivers are advised that swinging the entrenchment tool will use a small portion of the user's stamina. Although one may continue melee combat or earthwork with depleted stamina, sprinting and aim may be affected without subsequent rest or treatment.

Trivia

• Infrequently, the entrenchment tool may appear where Samples are buried, encouraging its use. Ground can also be cleared with explosives.
• A minimap icon is provided for the entrenchment tool upon pick up and replacement.
• When used against Jet Brigade troops, it is less likely to spark their jetpacks, keeping the bearer safe from flaming fuel spills.
• On the 22nd of January, 2186, the shovel topped the list of most wanted items in the federation.^[1]