Mine Warfare

U.S. and commonly encountered foreign antipersonnel mines. Recognition and characteristics are critical for both employment and countermine operations.

M14 (U.S.):

• Pressure-fuzed blast mine
• Small, plastic construction (difficult to detect)
• 3.5-inch diameter, 1.5 inches tall
• Approximately 1 oz of tetryl explosive
• 20-35 lb pressure to activate
• Non-metallic (minimal metal content)

M16A2 (U.S.):

• Bounding fragmentation mine
• Propels to 3-6 feet before detonating
• 360-degree fragmentation pattern
• Tripwire or pressure activation
• Effective radius: 30+ meters
• Contains significant metal — detectable

M18 Claymore (U.S.):

• Directional fragmentation mine
• Curved C4 charge with 700 steel balls
• 60-degree horizontal arc, 2-meter vertical spread
• Effective range: 50 meters (lethal), 100 meters (casualty)
• Command-detonated via M57 clacker
• Front embossed: "FRONT TOWARD ENEMY"
• Can be used for obstacle protection

Common Foreign AP Mines:

• PMN (Russian): Pressure blast mine, high explosive content
• PMN-2 (Russian): Improved version with fuze sensitivity
• POMZ (Russian): Stake-mounted fragmentation mine
• OZM (Russian): Bounding fragmentation mine
• VS-50 (Italian): Small, non-metallic blast mine

Scatterable AP Mines:

• Delivered by artillery, aircraft, or specialized systems
• Self-destruct or self-deactivation capability required
• Rapid emplacement over large areas
• Difficult to predict exact locations

Antitank mines target vehicles through pressure, tilt rod, or influence fuzing. Recognition and effect understanding is essential for engineer operations.

M15 (U.S.):

• Pressure-fuzed steel mine
• 22 lb activating pressure
• 22.5 inches long, 8.5 inches wide
• 22 lb of Composition B explosive
• Highly detectable due to metal content
• Can break track or penetrate hull bottom

M19 (U.S.):

• Non-metallic pressure-fuzed mine
• Plastic construction — difficult to detect
• 350 lb activating pressure
• 22 lb of Composition B
• Similar dimensions to M15

M21 (U.S.):

• Tilt-rod fuzed mine
• 30-inch rod projects above ground
• 8-degree tilt required to detonate
• 11 lb of TNT explosive
• Can achieve hull penetration due to standoff effect
• Visible rod provides warning to minefield location

Common Foreign AT Mines:

• TM-46 (Russian): Pressure-fuzed, metal case, 350 lb pressure
• TM-57 (Russian): Improved TM-46, larger explosive charge
• TM-62 (Russian): Series with multiple fuze options
• MIRAB (German): Magnetic influence fuze

Influence Fuzed Mines:

• Magnetic: Detects magnetic field distortion from vehicle metal
• Seismic: Senses ground vibration from vehicle movement
• Pressure-seismic: Combination system
• Full-width attack — detonates under vehicle center for maximum effect
• Difficult to defeat with simple mechanical rollers

Smart Mines:

• Multiple sensor systems (magnetic, seismic, acoustic)
• Logic systems to identify vehicle type
• Attack top armor using explosively formed penetrators
• Anti-handling devices and booby traps

Proper mine emplacement ensures effectiveness and allows for accurate recording and future recovery or destruction.

Planning Considerations:

• Mission purpose — what is the minefield intended to accomplish?
• Terrain analysis — ground suitable for mine emplacement?
• Type and quantity of mines available
• Time available for emplacement
• Security during emplacement
• Marking and recording requirements

AP Mine Emplacement:

1. Prepare hole or surface emplacement position
2. Remove mine from packaging
3. Inspect mine and fuze for damage
4. Arm fuze according to mine type
5. Place mine in position
6. Conceal mine to prevent detection
7. Mark mine location
8. Record on DA Form 1355 (Minefield Record)

AT Mine Emplacement:

1. Excavate hole if burying mine (pressure mines)
2. Remove mine from packaging
3. Install and arm fuze
4. Place mine in hole or surface position
5. Pressure mines: Backfill and conceal
6. Tilt-rod mines: Install rod, ensure vertical
7. Mark location clearly
8. Record on DA Form 1355

M18 Claymore Emplacement:

1. Select position covering avenue of approach
2. Emplace mine on sturdy base (stand, rocks, or stake)
3. Ensure "FRONT TOWARD ENEMY" faces target area
4. Confirm 60-degree coverage arc
5. Run firing wire to firing position (minimum 16 meters)
6. Test circuit with M40 test set
7. Connect M57 firing device only when ready to arm
8. Conceal wire and firing position

Minefield Patterns:

• Row pattern: Parallel rows of mines
• Irregular pattern: Random placement for unpredictability
• Mixed pattern: AT and AP mines combined
• Depth: Single row vs. multiple rows for increased density

Emplacement Safety:

• Never arm fuze until ready to emplace
• Handle mines gently — avoid dropping or striking
• Maintain accountability — count all mines in and out
• Mark locations immediately after emplacement
• Never recover mines without proper authorization and EOD support

Detecting mines is essential for route clearance, obstacle reconnaissance, and breaching operations. Multiple detection methods are employed depending on the threat and situation.

Visual Detection:

• Signs of disturbance — loose soil, unnatural patterns
• Fuzes, tilt rods, or tripwires visible
• Marking signs or warning signs
• Abandoned vehicles or equipment (possible mine indicator)
• Vegetation differences — dead grass, unusual growth
• Shadows or patterns visible from elevated positions

Metal Detection:

• AN/PSS-12: Handheld metal detector for metallic mines
• AN/PSS-14: Ground-penetrating radar and metal detection
• Sweep pattern — systematic coverage of area
• Slow, methodical movement — rushing misses mines
• Audio and visual indicators for metal content
• Limitations: Plastic mines, minimum metal mines difficult to detect

Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR):

• Detects anomalies below ground surface
• Can locate non-metallic mines
• AN/PSS-14 combines GPR with metal detection
• Requires training for effective interpretation
• Performance affected by soil type and moisture

Prodding:

• Manual detection method using probe
• Used when detectors unavailable or in suspected booby-trapped areas
• Gentle, systematic probing at consistent depth
• Feel for hard objects (mine case) vs. soft ground
• Extremely slow but reliable for metallic and non-metallic mines

Mine Detection Dog (MDD):

• Trained to detect explosive vapor or residue
• Can locate non-metallic mines
• Fast area coverage compared to manual methods
• Requires handler team and rest periods
• Effectiveness varies with environmental conditions

Mechanical Detection/Clearance:

• Roller systems: Apply pressure to trigger pressure-fuzed mines
• Flail systems: Chain flails detonate or destroy mines
• Plough systems: Dig up and expose buried mines
• Mounted on vehicles for route clearance
• Limitations: Influence-fuzed mines, steep terrain

Detection Priorities:

1. Visual search for obvious indicators
2. Detector sweep for metallic mines
3. GPR or MDD for non-metallic mines
4. Prodding for confirmation or when other methods unavailable

Accurate marking and recording of minefields is a legal requirement and essential for force protection and future clearance operations.

Minefield Marking:

• Perimeter marking: Delineates minefield boundaries
• Hazard marking: International warning signs
• Internal marking: Individual mine locations (if policy permits)
• Directional marking: Safe lanes and bypass routes

Standard Marking Signs:

• Danger — Mines (English and local language)
• Skull and crossbones symbol
• Red triangle on white background
• Securely posted and visible

Recording Requirements:

• DA Form 1355 — Minefield Record
• Minefield location (grid coordinates)
• Dimensions and boundaries
• Type and number of mines
• Fuzing and arming details
• Special hazards or booby traps
• Safe lanes marked
• Reporting chain and copy distribution

DA Form 1355 Completion:

1. Record minefield location (8-digit grid corners)
2. Document mine types and quantities
3. Indicate pattern and spacing
4. Record fuzing (pressure, tilt-rod, etc.)
5. Note marking system used
6. Include sketch or overlay if possible
7. Sign and date by responsible officer

Reporting Chain:

• Immediate report to higher headquarters
• Submitted through engineer channels
• Copies to all affected units
• Updates for any changes or reductions
• Final report upon completion or turnover

Minefield Turnover:

• Formal briefing to relieving unit
• Walk-through of minefield boundaries
• Review of records and sketches
• Point out safe lanes and hazards
• Transfer of marking materials if needed
• Sign for responsibility transfer

Breaching minefields creates safe lanes for maneuver forces. Speed, security, and methodical procedures are essential for successful breaching.

Breaching Methods:

• Manual breaching: Probing, marking, and removing individual mines. Slowest but most precise.
• Mechanical breaching: Rollers, flails, or ploughs create lane. Fast but equipment-intensive.
• Explosive breaching: Line charges, MICLIC, or Bangalore torpedoes clear path. Fast but resource-intensive.
• Combined arms: Integrate multiple methods for lane creation.

Breaching Team Organization:

• Security element: Protects breach force from enemy
• Breach element: Executes the breach
• Support element: Provides suppressive fire
• Lane marking team: Marks cleared lane

MICLIC (Mine Clearing Line Charge):

• Rocket-propelled line charge with explosive-filled hose
• Creates 100-meter lane, 14 meters wide
• Detonates overpressure-activated and pressure-fuzed mines
• Mounted on M60 AVLB or trailer
• Launch from safe distance (minimum 500 meters)
• Follow-on verification required (mechanical or manual)

Bangalore Torpedo:

• Manually emplaced explosive tube
• 5-foot sections connect to desired length
• Slide under wire obstacles or into minefield
• Command-detonated
• Creates 1-2 meter lane
• Effective against pressure-fuzed mines

Manual Breaching Procedures:

1. Approach suspected minefield with extreme caution
2. Probe to locate individual mines
3. Mark located mines (do not disturb)
4. Create lane by marking safe path between/around mines
5. Mark lane boundaries clearly
6. Report lane location and any unmarked hazards

Lane Marking Standards:

• Single lane: 1-2 meters wide
• Double lane: 4 meters wide for vehicle passage
• Mark entry and exit points clearly
• Use standard marking pattern (international or unit SOP)
• Mark sides of lane to prevent deviation
• Include directional indicators

Breaching Safety:

• Assume all uncleared areas are mined
• Stay in marked lanes — never deviate
• Follow exact path of detection/breaching team
• Report any disturbed ground or suspicious items
• Maintain security — breaching is vulnerable to enemy fire

Apply mine warfare knowledge through structured exercises. These drills develop the skills needed for emplacement, detection, and breaching operations.

Exercise 1: Mine Identification

Study and identify common U.S. and foreign mines:

• Create flashcards with mine photos and characteristics
• Practice rapid identification (5 seconds per mine)
• Know fuzing type, activation method, and effect
• Include both metallic and non-metallic mines

Exercise 2: Minefield Record Practice

Complete DA Form 1355 exercises:

• Plot minefield boundaries on map
• Calculate mines needed for given area
• Practice form completion with sample scenarios
• Time yourself — complete form in under 10 minutes

Exercise 3: Detection Pattern Drills

Practice systematic search patterns:

• Parallel sweep pattern (detector)
• Box pattern around suspected location
• Lane clearing pattern for route clearance
• Practice with inert training mines if available

Exercise 4: Prodding Technique

Develop manual detection skills:

• Practice insertion angle (30 degrees typical)
• Consistent depth (6 inches standard)
• Systematic spacing between insertions
• Feel for hard objects vs. soil texture
• Use inert training aids for realistic practice

Exercise 5: Lane Marking

Practice marking cleared lanes:

• Set up marking materials (tape, signs, stakes)
• Mark single and double lanes
• Include entry, exit, and directional markers
• Ensure visibility from both directions

Exercise 6: Breach Planning

Plan breaching operations for given scenarios:

• Receive mission: obstacle type, width, threat
• Select breaching method based on resources
• Organize breaching team
• Plan marking and verification
• Write breaching order

Standards Reference:

For complete mine warfare standards and testing requirements, see the Standards page.