tunnel rat

English

Noun

tunnel rat (plural tunnel rats)

1. (informal) A soldier trained to enter enclosed enemy spaces like tunnel systems to search them and eliminate and/or capture any occupants.
   • 2006, Douglas Bey, Wizard 6: A Combat Psychiatrist in Vietnam, Texas A & M University Press:

     He had been serving as a tunnel rat with the 1st Engineer Battalion's team of “Diehard Tunnel Rats.” This group was based in Lai Khe and flew by helicopter to tunnel sites within the division's area of operations.