There are many examples of physical sabotage in wartime . However , one of the most effective uses of sabotage is against organizations . The OSS manual provides numerous techniques under the title " General Interference with Organizations and Production " : From the section entitled , " General Devices for Lowering Morale and Creating Confusion " comes the following quintessential simple sabotage advice : " Act stupid . " The United States Office of Strategic Services , later renamed the CIA , noted specific value in committing simple sabotage against the enemy during wartime : " ... slashing tires , draining fuel tanks , starting fires , starting arguments , acting stupidly , short-circuiting electric systems , abrading machine parts will waste materials , manpower , and time . " To underline the importance of simple sabotage on a widespread scale , they wrote , " Widespread practice of simple sabotage will harass and demoralize enemy administrators and police . " The OSS was also focused on the battle for hearts and minds during wartime ; " the very practice of simple sabotage by natives in enemy or occupied territory may make these individuals identify themselves actively with the United Nations War effort , and encourage them to assist openly in periods of Allied invasion and occupation . " On 30 July 1916 , the Black Tom explosion occurred when German agents set fire to a complex of warehouses and ships in Jersey City , New Jersey that held munitions , fuel , and explosives bound to aid the Allies in their fight
Black Tom explosion
Black Tom explosion
Sabotage