Pl 20-82 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY FIELD MANO LAND MINE WARFARE @ HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WAY 1959eM 20-02 Fimo Manvat, HBADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY No. 20-22 WASHINGTON 25, D. ©, # May 1250 LAND MINE WARFARE Gmurren 1. GENERAL. ne 2 FUNDAMENTALS OF waives 5 CmAPTeR 8, TYPES OF MINEPIELDS.coo-c-——-cen- 16208 40 MINBPIBLD INSTALLATION sectien I Patlarns and Tecbnlgues rn. na 2 I, Design of Mints ae curren & LAYING MINEFIELDS - ‘Stan 1 Manoa! Lape nn 8 IRLDS Seton U8 neal a Parr Tots, BREACHING, CLEARING, AND TRAINING (Ciremn 7. LOCATING, BREACHING AND CLEARING Sion Dutton of Wind rae dle. sess IN, Ghearance t Mind Saat am ‘cuapnea &, TROOP TRAINING. usin us WL. CONSOLIDATED sINEPIELD DATA ‘PIBLD REQUIREMENTS). (FOR 100 YARDS OF MINEFIELD FRONT, IY, ‘TYPICAL STANDING OPERATING i RoceDURE wt supersedes FM 20-2, 19 July 1955, and TC 5-6 3 Api 158,PART ONE INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 GENERAL 1. Purpose ‘The purpose of this manval is to provide information on mine warfare doctrine and the techniques of land mine employment. 2. Scope ‘This manual includes descriptions of the basic types of land ‘mines, thelr fuzes oF fing systems, techniques and responsbill- ties for employment and. procedures for marking, reeording, detecting, and removing mines; mine warfare terminology, defn tions, and policies are Included. The material presented herein is applicable to nuclear warfare, Where applicable, appropriate ‘modifying guidance for nonnuclear warfare is integrated through- ‘out the manual 3. Application ‘Though land mine warfare has been a traditional engineer specialty, ite growing Importance and broadened seale of employ rant have mala ik necottary that mines no Tonger be considered an exclusive engineer responsibility. tls essential that all troops be adequately trained to protect themsalves from enemy mines and to employ mines against the enemy.‘CHAPTER 2 FUNDAMENTALS OF MINES 4. Mines, end How They Work ‘A mine is an incased charge of explosive, bulk explosive, or ‘other material such as a chemical charge designed to destroy or ‘damage vehicles, boats, or areraft oto kill, Wound, or otherwise incapacitate personnel. A typical mine consists of fuze, detonator, Dooster, and main charge, This main charge can be either an explosive, a toxie chemical agent, or a material which will burst into flames (gs. 1 and 2). Mines are set off as the result of a series of events called a fring chain. The fring chain starts ‘when an initiating setion, uevally outside the mine, acts on the fuze, and eauses it to function. The faze produces flame or con- cussion that eta off the detonator, which sets of the booster (if present) ora main charge (Sg. 8) FUZE MAIN CHARGE MINE CASE DETONATOR Plgwre 1 Componente of tye ine oo se :Fuze: main cHARGE Wine case. DeTONATOR sodsTeR igure, Tapia! mine with Bouter 5. Inating Actions ond Furor 4, The type of initiating ation (fg. 4) depends on the design ‘of the fuse. Most fuses are designed to be initiated by one of the following actions: (1) Presrure. Pressure of a man’s foot, or the wheel or tread of a vehicle, uses the fuze to fonction (2) Pull. pull on a wire (called trip-wire) attached to the fuze initiates fuze action, (3) Tension-release. Cutting telp-wire releases tension roquired to Keep the fuze from functioning (4) Pressurevelonse. Removing « restraining weight allowe the fuse to function. (5) Vibvations, Vibrations induced by movement in water, air, ground, or structure initiate action. (8) Magnetic induction, A large metallle mass, such as a truck oF tank, upon spproaching the fuze, causes it to function. (1) Frequency induction, Operating an electric mine de tector near an induction fuze or sending radio signals fon the same frequency as the fuze initiates action (8) Audio frequency. Sound waves from = vehicle cause the fore to function, (8) Delayed action. This Is normally accomplished by aVEHICLES AND s INITIATING: PERSONNEL INIT! acts GhFuzE i ee SP er Ss PRODUCES FLAME ‘OR CONCUSSION ACTION SETS OFF RE NZ ners way BLAME SUP raosuce’s sau on concussion SS roi EN SETS OFF” GEtSNSTOR © WY Peis SMALL CONCUSSION a Wt ee gers OFF prooucts LangeR =Yeoosren cuanetsy concussion thay Nor BE" Tae REQUIRED) - LARGER CONCUSSION EN hy bene. | SEIS OFF ERQBUGES i 2) wa tiarie ya YEP 4. ian chino min,clockwork mechanism set to go off at a particular time fr by a chemleal which will eat through some material in {predictable time, or by counting device which is ctusted by the passage of a certain number of vehiek (10) Electrical. Closing an electric circuit by throving a switch oF by breaking a light beam, 2. The initiating action (Fg, 6) starts the fuze functioning, ‘The internal action which produces a fare or explosion is necom- plished by one of the following meuns or by a combination thereof: ITIATING ACTIONS (ae) VIBRATIONS Figure 4 Tupe of tating ation : sco sera(1) Mechanial. spring drives a striker against percus sion esp which ignites the detonator (2) Chemical, A small vial containing aeid is broken by the Initiating action. The acid mixes with another chemical and generates heat which sets of the detonator (8) Friction. ‘The initiating action causes substances within the fare to ignite by friction and produce a flame which fires the detonator. (4) Electrical The initiating action closes a eireuit and fires ‘an electric detonator. . Any one of the above meana of igniting a detonator may be ‘combined with any one of the initiating actions described above, na given faze A fuze initiated by pressure may work by ‘mechanieal, chemical, feetional, oF elettial means. Puzes are named according to their initiating action or how they work, of ‘4 combination thereof, Firing devices are fuzee which are not Sued with the mines. 6. Detonator ond Bocttor ‘The detonator is a highly senaltive explosive set off by the flame ‘or concussion ofthe fuze. ‘The booster Is lets sensitive but more Powerful explosive than the detonstor. Some mines donot require a booster 7. Main Charge and Mine Core ‘The main charge is the content of the mine case. It provides Figure 5 Pusetining of fie so wm 7the striking power ofthe mine. This may be an explosive charge, ‘ toxle chemical agent, or a material which will burst Into lame, ‘Mine eases are metallic or nonmetalle. Nonmetallic mines sre made of glass, plastic, paper, of wood 8. Types of Mines «a, Live Mines, Live mines may be classified arcording to case, conlent, use, initiating action (or method of firing), and ease of fitieulty in detection, as fellows: (2) Case, Metallic, lass, plastle, wood or paper. (2) Cantent, Explosive, Name, oF toxie-chemical @) Use (a) Antitank (AT) mines are those used aginst tanks (fe. 0) (8) Antipersonnel (Apers) mines are used against per- fonmel and are further elassifed as follows: 41. Blast type Apers mines contain only an explosive charge and are caisifid ax Apers blast mines, ‘2, Fragmentation mines contain fragments which shower the area within the vilnity of the explosion, 5. Bounding Apers mines (fg. 7) are fragmentation mines which contsin a propelling charge whlch throws the main part of the mine a few feet into the air ‘where it expodes so that the fragments cover & much larger ares. (4) Initiating ction. (a) Controlled mines are those fired by an observer when the target is over oF near the mine. (#) Intuence mines are those that are activated by meg netic impulse, vibration, or sound waves. (5) Detection, Mines with metallic cass are easly detected ‘with smallmetals electrical detectors, Mines with glass, blastic, wood, cardboard, or other nonmetallic eases are Joss eaally deiceted with electrical detectors. (6) Improvised. Improvised mines are those that are mana factured in the fed. Any container filled sith the desired amount of explosive and properiy funed becomes , Phony Mines, ‘These are harmless objects that are planted to make the enemy think he has encountered live mines. For ‘example, a buried tin can eauses mine detector to indicate @ mine, and forces the enemy to take time to remove = harmless object.[PRESSURE PLATE arwns L00m Sate ooaiton & a sanano 08 grt seconoany Fuze wet NE ar Hea Ee a ae MONTH AND YEAR LOADED 15 SHIPPED) Pipere 6 An attain ¢. Training Mines. Training mines are of two types, A practice mine (fig. 8) is a replica of « live mine in that It has the ssme festures and weight of the mine that it represents, it is painted blue and does not explode. Tt is constructed to emit « Dull of smoke oF male a notse to simulate a detonation. An inert ‘mine is an inert replica of a live mine that is used for instructonal purposes. Tt does not explode or make a noise, A mine that is faken out of a production line before it Is filed with explosive is a variety of Inert mine known as an empty mine 9. Boobytrapped Mines ‘A boobytrapped mine is a mine rigged to exp'ode when dis. turbed even thoagh the main fuze has been removed from the mine. Antitank mines are boobytrapped to prevent easy removal by enemy troops, thus slowing the enemy advance by causing ‘casualties and lowering morale. Most antitank mines have ene oF ‘more secondary fuze wells for this purpose. A firing device can be ingerted in the secondary fuze well ws shown in figure 9, oF can be attached to another mine or charge as shown in Azure 10, Aee a (e)sonous aunssaud!rine does not have to have # secondary fuze well to be booby. trapped. Pol, tension release, or pressure release firing devices may be Installed with an addtional charge to be activated when the mine Is disturbed. FM 5-81 discusses boobytrapping in detail, 10. Hendling Mines ‘Mines and their fuzes are to be handled with the same respect ‘and caution used in handling any explosive material, whether Ie be artillery shel's or demolition equipment. Most of our older mines have the fuses and detonators separate from the mine Some of our newer mines have inseparable components and eve fan arming dial whieh can he turned to make the fring chain of the mine “safe” or "armed". “Such mines are to be stored and ‘transported in the “safe” condition and are armod only when lid Details for handling each tyoe and model of mine are given in ‘TM 9-1940 and appropriate TB's on more recent models of mines. 1. Sofetiee. Safety devices (fig. 11) are built into all U.S Army mine fuaee to prevent the faze from fanetienineg pre ‘maturely. Some mines, and all those in which the furee are a integral component of the mine, have a safety in the form af sn arming-safing dial in a "plug" (lg. 12)Figures, Anttant imine Booytapped with pl fring device ne fare ‘ellondpreseureratae tv ring avin Fiowre 0, Beootrapping oe mine to another with pl ring deve 2 00 etnsarery cue. SAFETY pwn SAFETY sonew Figure 11. Types of weet deve or fae, ARMING DIAL, SIDE FUZE WELL’ CARRYING HANDLE Pigwes2, Antitenk mine wth arming pv and dil>. Fusing a Mine, Fusing is the process of installing the Aetonator and fuse assembly ina mine. Fuze wells are to be clesn fand free of foreign matter when the fuze and detonator are italed @. Arming @ Mine. After the fuze is installed, the mine is armed by removing all safety device itis then ready to funeton 4 Neutralizing « Mine (1) This may be done in one of two ways: (@) The mine isto be disarmed and all pins, clips, or other tafety deviees are to be replaced. (8) Ifthe sine has an arming dal the dia is to be turned to the “safe” or “unarmed” position. (c) The fuze is to be removed and separated from the detonator, unless the detonator is bulle into the fuze (2) If the situation permit, st rine ineffective by demolition. sirable to render the 11. Manvel Mine Leying 4, Mines are installed in a minoild according to a Dasle pattern or ave seatened without roard to pattern. Tn elther ease indi- duel mines must be far enough apart to prevent aympathetic fstonation (the explosion of one mine caused by the explosion ff another), The minimam effective spacing to prevent sympa thetic detonation of antitank mines contalning up to 28 pounds of explosive is 6 paces. Manual minelaying procedures, fusing, farming, and neutralizing, ate described in detail in TM 9-1940, for each type of mine. Mechanics! mine laying is discussed in 1, Mines are concealed by burying them or by placing them con the ground and covering them with leaves, brush of other Insterial which is naturel to the surroundings. When a mine is to be buried under sod, the turf should be carefully ext and ro'led bck so that it can be replaced over the mine with as litte change a8 possible in appearance, ¢. Winter conditions present special problems because snow, Jc, and frozen ground ehange with temperature changes. In soft ‘sow 2 to 4 inches deep, mines ean be placed in the ground, with taps protruding above the ground surface. Tn deeper snow, mines mist be supported by some sald material such as pleves of wood (of tamped rock. Tn hard-packed snow of ice, mines can be painted ‘white and laid on the surface, Mines laid in snow are booby- trapped only with pullype fuzes, Other types of Hiring devices‘ill collet moisture and will become inoperative when they freze Slack trip-wires are installed up to 5 feet above snow level becsuse faut trip-wires and trip-wires close to the surface are seen more ‘easily. The color of the tripswire is unimportant because all colors can be seen equally well against a background of snow. 4. Camouflage of mines lid im enov is dificult but deception can be used to prevent their discovery. Extensive track marks fan be mede throughout the minefeld ares before mines are Installed to deceive the enemy Al dirt isto be removed from the site or concealed. Mine containers, tape, and other working mar terials are removed. Regardless of the season, camouflage is of primary importance, 12, Methods of Loying Mines Monvelly 4, Pressure Fused Antitonk Mines, Pressure fused antitank ‘mines are to be placed in a hole dug 2 inches or 3 inches larger ‘than the mine at the bottom (fg. 18). The sldes of the hole sre to be sloped outward at an angle of sbout 45", making the top of ‘the hole larger than the bottom. ‘The with of the hole st the top J tobe large enough to prevent bridging by track-laying vehicles ‘The mine is tobe fazed and armed (TBI 91040) and placed in the hole o that the top of the pressure fuze wil be flush with or one- half ineh above the natural ground. If the soll is woft and spongy ‘piece of board or flat stone is tobe placed under the mine to provide a solid foundation. ‘The spoil from the hole isto be used to cover the mine and build « mound 1% inches high over the center of the pressure fuze, All excess spoil isto be removed and the mound camouflaged in the usual manner, Figure 1, Method of hand plant entiten ine. 2. Antipersownet Mines. The methods of laying, fuzing, and arming procedures vary with the type of mine (TM 9-1940). In ‘eneral, antipersonnel mines are buried, the fuze usually exiend- {ng above ground, and are designed to be set off by stepping on them, or by pulling or cutting trip-wires, ‘The laying of mines co sure 7may be affected by the hardness of the ground but can usually lhe accomplished by the use of the bayonet or entrenching tools Care in exmouflaging the mines and removing debris is a4 een tial as with antitank mines. When trip-wires are used, « fem tnehor stake for the far end of the wire Ie easential, particularly when used vith a tenslon-telease type of fue, 13, Dozer-Mounted Scoop ‘The dozer-mounted “scoop” (fig. 14) is designed to speed up the digging of holes for AT mines in hard soils. The tractor operator controls the digging rate and length of the hole hy his rate of speed and the frequency with which he alternately drops fd lite the dozer blade 14, Removal of Mines |A high-explosive (HE) mine is harmless if the fring chain is broken. However, in the case of boobytrapped mines there may bbe more than one firing chain. Caution must be exercised to insure that all chains are broken, 4, The safest way to dispose of a mine is by destroying it in place with explosives. Charges are placed on or near the mines fonnected with detonating cord, and exploded from a safe dis- Figur 1h, Doverownted ev.tance (figs, 45 and 46). This method cannot always be used because the explosive might alert the enemy, block roads, of damage useful installations. ’, The next safest way to remove mines Isto pull them out with 4 rope, cable, ot wire. Affor the mine is uncovered, 2 rope is attached to the mine. The mine is then pulled out of the hole from a-tafe distanee, Rope removal hes the same disadvantage as blowing in place ‘e. Improvised grapnels can be used to detonate trip-wire actuated tines. "The grapnel ie thrown out over the field and then pulled back. As itis pulled buck, it tripe the wires, setting off the mines, 4, When ines must be removed in secrecy, the hand-removal method i voed.” Each mine is earefully located and ll fuzes neutralized. ‘The mine must not be tilted oF moved until it is cortsin that all means of detonating it have boon removed or made safe. Hand removal ls Ume-consuming and dangerous, Personnel should have intimste knowledge of the types of mines ‘and faves that they are handling. Neutralization of mines sitd/or fuses that are unfamiliar should be avoided if possible, because some mines contain Tuzes which cannot be neutralized, 4 Blast methods have been developed to neutralize mines. The ‘emolition snake and bangalore torpedo (par. 86) are stendard items of equipment for this purpose. 4. Mine removal is more dificult when toxie chemical mines are present or when contaminated aress are being breschod or cleared. “Personnel should be dressed in protective clothing and fatty protective masks for immediate donning when require, 00 sue ”PART TWO. EMPLOYMENT OF LAND MINES CHAPTER 3 TYPES OF MINEFIELDS 15, General Land mines are wespons. To obtain the maximum benefits from the use of them they are lad in certain areas called mine- fields. Minefclds are classified functionally according to the Ivarpose for which they are lald and are called protective, deten- sive, barrier, nuisanee, or phony. These feds are laid with or ‘without « standard pattern according to the purpose, method of laying, personnel and time available. Appendix Il shows the 5 types of minefields, the required authority to employ, types of mines, marking of the fled, and required removal 16. Protective Minefield ‘a, Definition. A protective minefield ia employed to assist a unit in Ita Toel, close-in protection, . Punetion, A protective minefield is uted for close-in pro- tection and warning to small units in the battle position, in a ear notice for a short duration. It may continue fo be ofa temporary nature, easily removed hy the defenders, or it may be absorbed {nto the minefield aystem as a larger minedld. Tt must be re- moved by the defender unless prevented by enemy action oF the rolieving unit commander specifically requests that it be left in place. 2. Authority to Employ. Commanders of battalions, battle ‘eroupe, and higher echelons have authority to employ protective minefcids. This authority is not to be delegated lower than & company commander (app. 11). 4. Types of Mines Used. Antitank, antipersonnel mines, and flares may be used. Flame mines (par. 38) may also be used. TToxie chemical mines are not normally used in protective mine fields, Antitanke mines used must be eapable of immobilizing theheaviost tanks exposted. They must be placed so they can be ‘ulekly and easily removed by the installing unit, Because of the time taken fn laying and removing, small nonmetallic anti personnel mines and special type mine fuzes or booby trap devices Aare not normally used, fe. Fire Cover. Protective minefields are to be located within sffective range of small-arms and antitank fret from defensive positions and beyond hand grenade range of the defensive position. 17. Defensive Minefilds 1. Defwnition. A defensive minefield is one laid, in accordance ‘with division plans, to defeat penetration between positions oecu- pled by units of company, battalion, or battle group siz, and to strengthen the defense of the positions themselves. . Function. Defensive minefields ate carefully planned feds Which are employed to delay and disorganize enemy attacks, to ‘canalize enemy movements into killer areas, and to defeat or limit ‘enemy penetration into the tactical positions occupied by unite up to battle group aie, ©. Authority to Employ. Commanders of battle groups, bat- {allons, combat commands, and higher echelons have the authority to employ defensive minefields. ‘This authority ie not to be dele- trated lower than company commanders (app. Il. 4. Types of Mines Used. All types of mines, boobytrepping Aeviees, and flares may be used. However, toric chemical mines normally are not used in defensive minefields except those ine tended to be intograted into a Iraer barrier system. -Antiperson nel mines should be included, partieularly in forward edges of antitank minefields, At least 5 percent of the antitank mines should be equipped with boobstrapping devices, Warning de- vices, such as trip fares, smoke streamers, and noise devices, should be lal to warn of enemy breaching attempts, «. Pire Cover. Defensive minefields ate to be coordinated with the dlvision fire support plan, They should be covered by fres fof small arms, antitank and supporting weapons, including artillery. 18. Barrer Minefelds 4. Defwnition. barrier minelld is laid to block enemy attack formations in selected areas, especialy to the flanks, and to deflect his approach into selected battle ares, " w. Function. Barrier minefields are employed to eanalize, dis- rupt, and delay the enemy’ attack in order to provide the defender time 9 concentrate fire and reserves agsinet i Barrier mine- elds are also used to canalize the enemy into areas where he may be destroyed either hy missed defensive conventional fret oF fuclear weapons, Barrier minefields normally will be laid in Considerable depth in order to provide maximum surprise and dis organization of the enemy. They may be located forward, to the ‘anks, or tothe rear of the battle position. Where the main pur- pose it to surprise the enemy, concealment is important. Where the purpose is to influence the enemy plan, concealment of all nines in field may not be desirable. . Authority to Employ. Commanders of divisions and higher echelons have authority to employ barrier minefields (app. 11). 4. Types of Mince Used. All types of mines, boobytrapping devices, and flares may be used, Because barrier minefields are not necessarily covered hy fire, they must be made as dificult to bresch ae potsble. Extensive use should be made of such fHems a8 nonmetallic mines, antipersonnel mines, and bochy- trapping devices. At least 20 percent of the AT mines in this type of field should be boobytrapped, Less detectable mines ‘should always be thoroughly concealed regardless of the purpose fof the minefeld. Toxle chemiesl mines, f authorized, are purtiew- Tanly suitable for use in berrier minefields 2, Fire Cover. Dependent upon its location with respect to the disposition of the defending forces, a barrier mineReld may not lays be covered by fire. However, it should be covered by ‘observation, and plans made to bring’ down artillery fire or air ‘tah ot move ditt re slements to provide eat threatened points: 19, Noizonce Minefield a Defnition. A nuisance minefield ia laid to delay and dis organize the enemy and to hinder his use of an area or route 3. Function. Nuisance minefields are used to impose eaution and thereby delay the enemy, to disorganize his forces by sepa. rating bls supporting echelons from his attacking echelons, and toeffect a lowering of morale. They are an effective method of rining in depth when used along route (axial mining) and in areas likely tobe used by the enemy. To achieve maximum effet, nuisance minetelds should be thoroughly concealed, fe. Authority to Employ. Army and higher commanders have the authority to employ nuisance minefields, ‘This authority may not he delegated lower than division commanders (app. TI).4. Types of Mines Used. All types of antitank and antiperson- rel, toxie chemical mines (if authorized), fuze, boobytrapping deviees, and boobytraps ahould be used. Beesuse nuisance mine fields will seldom be covered by fire, they mast be of « highly complex nature to make them extremely diffcult to detect and fe. Fire Cover. It will seldom be possible to cover nuisance ‘minefields effectively by fire 20. Phony Minefield 1. Definition. phony minefield is an area of ground used to simulate « minetield with the abject of deceiving the enemy, , Punetion. Phony minetelda normally will be used as part of live minefield systems; that is, they will supplement or extend live minefields, oF they may be used when tlme, effort, or material ‘do not permit the laying of alive minefeld, “They may serve as ‘raps required by the tactieal plan between or within existing ‘minefields. “They are of no real use until the enemy haa become ‘mine-conscious, The effectiveness of a phony minefield depends upon its resemblance tothe type of live minefield being simulated. ‘This resemblance is accomplished by disturbed earth, traces of rine packeging debris, and minefield markers, ‘ Authority to Employ. A phony minefield may be employed by any commander who has the authority to employ the type of ‘mineieldsimeleted (app, 11) 4. Types of Mines Used. A phony minefield may include phony ‘mines or may have the earth disturbed to simulate the appearance ff a normal minefield, Live mines normally will not be used, ¢. Five Cover. Fise cover normally wil be the same as that provided for the minefield simulated,CHAPTER 4 MINEFIELD INSTALLATION Section |. PATTERNS AND TECHNIQUES 21, Stonderd Pattern Minefield By definition, x minefield, except @ phony minefield, is an ares of ground containing mines which are installed, ether according to & basic pattern, or are scattered without regard to pattern Minefilds are classed by function (par. 15), and are farther classified by types of mines installed. Dlinefelds containing only ‘antipersonnel mines are known a= antipersonnel (Aper) mine- elds and are installed Zor protection against enemy Infantry, ‘Minefields installed primarily for protection against enemy armor are caled antitank (AT) mineflds. ‘These elds usually contain ‘Apers a8 well ag AT mines to prevent the passage of foot troops i nero WOTH FRONT) TERPRESSED W YOST 2N0 Lanouare-ne comer OF €.08 iow 18, Standard mineeld fenced, marke, end referenced n eo sureand easy removal of the AT mines. Figure 15 shows a standard Pattern minefield. ‘The feld consists of a minimum of 8 regular mine strips which are designated in alphabetical order beginning withthe one nearest the enemy, or front strip. Tn addition there fn irregular strip on the enemy side of strip A, ealled the irregular outer edge”, or 10K, 22. Mine Cluster ‘A mine cluster (S16) isthe base unit of the standard pattern ‘minefield, Tt may contain from 1 to 8 mines. When more than 1I'mine is used the additional mines are placed within e 2 pace radius of the base mine. The base mine ia usually « pressure- Actuated fragmentation mine. Only one antitank mine will be used ina cluster, and it willbe the base mine, In an antipersonnel minefield an antipersonnel mine will be the base mine, When fonie chemicsl mines are to be integrated in a composite mine- field, they can best be employed at a rate of one per evety four clusters, the chemical mine being substituted for an antiperson- nel mine, ‘The various types and quantities of mines that may be placed in cluster aro shown in figure 16. The clusters are placed In rows with 6 pace intervale between the base mines, 23. Mine Strip 4. Two rows of clusters constitute a mine strip (Ag. 17). ‘The row on the side of the strip toward the enemy Is row No. 1, and ‘the row on the rear (friendly sie) of the strip is row No, 2." The rows are 6 paces apart, belng 3 paces on either side from the centerline, thus leaving 6 pace safety lane between the 2 rows of the strip. ‘The clusters in the two rows are stauered co that ‘they are located at $ pace inforvals alternating MeN and left of the centerline. "The open sides of the clusters in both rows are toward the centerline of the strip. 1, The clusters in each strip are numbered (fg. 18) from the ‘ight end of the strip when facing the enemy, No. 1 elster belng the first cluster in the No. 1 row, and No. 2 cluster being the first in No. 2 row. All clusters are numbered even thoagh the ‘mines are omitted in thote that fall on angle points. ‘This method of numbering places all odd numbered clusters in row No. on ‘the enemy side, and the even numbered clastere in Tow No. 2 on the friendly aide, «If trip-wines are used (fig. 19), they are placed on anti personnel mines in the front row, not more then one trip-wire- sctivated mine to cluster, and no closer than every thied cluster, ‘Trip-wires should not point back toward the strip centerline, and co se ‘| CLUSTER May CONSIST OF ONE ANTITANK MINE. on ONE ANTITANK MINE ‘PLUS SEVERAL ANTI PERSONNEL MINES WITHIN 1A 2-PACE SEMICIRCLE [FROM THE ANTITANK MINE on ONE ANTIPERSONNEL, MINE on SEVERAL ANTIPERSONNEL, MIMS WITHIN & 2-PACE ISEMICIRCLE OF THE ‘BASE ANTIPERSONNEL MINE ® Ba ‘ se) Piowre 4, Mine ater,NEW) ijn ee 3 PACES a a = et i Wi Up UL ‘CLUSTERS ARE LA ON BOTH SIDES OF STRIP ¢ ‘THE CENTRAL MINE IN EACH CLUSTER MAY [BE EITHER ANTITANK OR ANTIPERSONNEL, [ADDITIONAL MINES, ANTIPERSONNEL ONLY, ARE PLACED WITHIN EACH CLUSTER (SHADED AREA) IF DESIRED igure 1. Mine must not be closer than two paces to another cluster or another tripowire. The length of the trip-wire should not exeeed the casualty radius of the mine to which itis attached, end should not cross the safety line. 4. Mine strips are lettered A, B, C, D, ete, from the front to ‘the rear, and must be at least 18 paces apart. The strips need not be parallel; a eonterline may have as many turning points as desired (Sg. 20), A strip marker stake in the ground indicates so0 nero 7Thebes Ss Buvne eee dsye BESS es SAETy une, amos sicesnemner see g ager Ur PaCS ay gh OS Egan |e, ne Yipes peru 1 ner row OF STA ety Figure 29, Unf tinswiraso fron ro of mie arp %13. BASE MINE IN LAST. (CLUSTER OF A STR ‘SECTION 4 BASE MINE IN FIRST (CLUSTER OF A STRIP ‘SECTION ‘THE LAST BASE MNE WILL NEVER BE LAID (CLOSER THAN 8 PACES TOEND OF A STRIP SECTION THE FIRST MINE LAD (ON & SECTION OF & STRIP WILL ALWAYS: BE 3 PAGES FROM THE ‘TURNING PONT AND ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF STRP CENTERLINE FROM PREVIOUS CLUSTER LOCATION If NECESSARY TO TURN ANGLES SHARPER THAN THOSE SHOWN, OMT A CLUSTER TO ASSURE BASE MINES BEING 6 PACES APART, AND NO CLUSTER AREA CLOSER THAN 3 PACES FROM ANY CENTERLINE TAPE Frown POT HIN PORT sasthe rleht end centerline of « strip, The centerline, marked by tracing tape or other suitable marking deviee, is laid out from 5, from the right side of the Reld facing the front, to the left Marker stakes are also uted to mark strip turning point. 2A. Minefield Density ‘The density of a minefield ig the number of mines per yard of| ‘minefield trace or front. Density is usually expressed In terms of the number of antitank mines per yard of front and the num- ber of antipersonnel mines pet yard of front. Appendix IT shows recommended density for each type of minefield 25. Minefeld Lone ‘A mineficld lane is a safe path or route through a minefield (fi. 24). Lanes through friendly felde are 8 yards wide for one-way vehicle traf and 16 yards wide for two-way vehicle traffic. Enemy minefields are breached by removing all mines from a path by sny available means. ‘The width of lanes breached In enemy minelds depends on the method of breaching and the purpose for which the lanes are required. A Tane for passage ff foot troops, for example, need not be as wide as one for the pussege of tanks 26. Minefield Gop A minefield gap is that portion of « minefield in which no mines have been laid. The purpose of a gap is to enable a friendly force to pase through the field in tactical formation. Gaps are of specified width which ja eeldom less than 100 yards, 27. Morking ond Referencing Minefilds are marked to protect friendly troops and eivilians, Written records are also prepared to inform interested agencies of the location of the fld and to ald in minefield clearing. Mine field-recording procedures are discussed in chapter 6. 4 Marking Rear-Arce Minoflds. (2) 4 reararea minefeld must be completely fenced with 2 strands of barbed wire at the time of laying (fg. 21) ‘As shown in figure 15, the fence does not follow the ‘exact boundary of the fed, but Is placed #0 as to avoid Indicating the exact boundary. Th no ease should it be placed lass than 20 paces from the nearest mine, The top strand of barbed wire fence is about waist high: the lower strand about ankle high, Standard markingsigns (fig. 22) are hung on the upper strand eo that the ‘word mines facea away from the feld. For minefields containing toxie chemical mines tamination marking signs (fig. 23) are also the same manner as other minefield markers, Lanes are marked as shown in Bure 24. The distance between Jane markers maybe lesa than indicated if terrain and weather conditions make it necessary, Marking signs are fabricated by the unit laying the feld or at supply points (2) In many cases, rearavea minefields (fg. 24) must be ‘more elaborately fenced nd marked. Th non-English speaking areas, signa in the native language also must De erected. Lane signs may be larger than the standard signs and indicate the exact width of the cleared area, é may be necessary to post guards at lane entrances to prevent friendly personnel fom entering a dangerous area. The amount of fencing and marking required will bbe spected in ordera tothe unit laying the Hel, 2, Marking Mineflde in the Forward Area, Forward area ‘minefields are marked as preseribed in (1) above, with the follow- ing exceptions (1) Mineflds forward of positions along the FEBA are sometimes fenced only on the friendly (rear) side or on ‘the friendly side and the flanks Hf necessary to protect friendly troops. Forward-ares minefields 1aid out of contact with the enemy may be completely incised, but Figure 21, Wie sueponded o picket or pout 200 wi 72 RED SIGN WHITE LETTERS TX grout ante FRONT RED SIGN REAR Piper 2% Standard wineld marking sig part of the fencing is to be removed before the enemy fpproaches them. On the other hand, there are times ‘when higher headquarters may decide to leave the field Completely inclosed in order to deflect the enemy toward ‘chosen killing ground. Such decisions are made by the commander authorizing installation of the eld (2) Lanes in forward sreas are marked inconspicuoasly because use of standard methods (Bg. 22) would indi- cate ther location to the enemy. Suggested methods ofsicw2 woKes——______w wy ann < FRONT-SURFACE OF MARKER FACING AWAY FROM CONTAMINATION ei72 WeHEs——————+ BACK™SURFACE OF MARKER FACING CONTAMINATION 4 DATE OF DISCOVERY OF CONTAMINATION AND AGENT (1F KNOWN) ENTERED ON MARKER AT TIME OF PLACEMENT seo wen anereLo Lane ex MARAER ‘BACK GROUND Rese ware igure, Standard minefield ime mariage aes, Jane marking include placing wire, tape o closely spaced objects on the ground on each side of the lane, with the Jane entrance made easily idetifable by markers such a pickets wrapped with tape or piles of stanes, and the Tike. “Lane eats on the enemy side mast nat be siashed in thi manner or they wil be etlly discovered by enemy patrols. One way to mark an exit Ie to reference azi- ‘uth and distanes to some easily distinguished landmark beyond the exit; another is to use infrared and/or uoresoent devices, ¢, Marking and Referencing Mine Stripe. The beginning and fend of each mine strip and points where the strip changes itec- ton are marked with wooden stakes or pickets driven fash with the ground. On the written minefield record, these strip markers sare referenced to a common landmark, sa are lane markers (x. 18). 4. Landmarks. A lendmark is either @ natural or artifelat feature of a permanent nature, that can be accurately located ot the ground from a map-grid reference28. Policing The Field end Comouflaging . When the minefield has been completely installed ond rwcorded, all stakes are driven fish with the ground to serve 8 markers for the unit removing the field. Spoil is disposed of In an inconspicuous place; tapes and any debris resulting from the ‘operation are removed, Recording end reporting procedires are covered in chapter 6. . Individual mines as well as the minefleld itelf should be amouflged in all cases, Camouflage is relatively easy in areas Oot high grass, sccond growth vegetation, jungle, and open monde, CCarioufaye is dificult im fat, sandy or desert terrain, and in snow covered areas. In diferent cases the ingenuity of the minelaying party is necessery to achieve the desired concealment, ‘The basic Drinciples of eamouttage are covered in PM 6-20 . Feneing, marking and eamoutlage of minefields must be care fully maintained ‘Section Il DESIGN OF MINEFIELOS 29. Determining Requirements 4. Information Required. ‘The commander of a unit must know the mine density dosired, the frontage and depth of the feld and the average length, in yards, of mine strips before he can determine the total number of mines needed. Orders to the OIC of the laying unit specify the mine density desired in terms of the number of AT mines, the number of fragmentation Apers mines, snd the number of blast Apers mines per yard of mined front, ff, 2-9-7. Orders also Indlestn the boundaries ofthe psposed field, thus the fronteges and depth in Yards can be determined by map study. A map study can alto be used to determine the Average length of mine strip, although a personal reeonnaissance provides more accurate measurement, After determining these factors, the OIC ean compute the total mimber of mines required, the number of clusters and thelr composition, by using the pro: cedure in the following example: Given a density of 2 (AT)—4 (Apers Frag)-8 (Apers Blast) and an average length of 1,000 yards, the total number of mines ‘required for the main feld (not including the irregular outer edge (LOE) or a percentage for damaged stems and for irregul Jn terrain and strip length) can be computed as follows: (1) Step 2: forms, 8 tabular form si below is to be prepared. The desired density of vations {ype mines, as given in the orders to lay, opposite soo sure A“esired density" in the appropriate columns is to be entered, ‘The balance ofthe table i to be Hed in accord Ing to Steps 2 through 6, | news| as eae lelela 5 | Sobers me | fu | te iE | 2/2 = [een sia (2) Step 2: computation, The average length of the fed is toe multiplied bythe density of mines by type: 1000322000 AT mines 10003<4=4,000 Apers mines—fregmentation 4000%8=8,000 Apers mines—blast ‘These quantities are entered in the table opposite Main Field on line 2 in the appropriate eolumns, (9) Step $2 number of clusters in IOE, The rogular steip cluster density of one cluster every 8 paces. ‘The JOE has a clisler density of one-third that of a regular strip, or I cluster every ® paces. To obtain the number fof clusters Ina regular strip, the length is vided by 8. One-third of that result equals the number of clusters in the 1OB, Fractions are expressed at the next highest whole number Example: 2.00029) 1334 gr 12 (4) Sten 4: number of mines in IOE. A representative ‘luster comprition is selected for clusters in the 10E ‘containing {ypés of mines used in the main installation, normally using no more than 5 mines to any 1 clustor— (1-2-2) of 1 AT, 2 Apers fragmentation, and 2 Apors ‘ast. The number of elustere In the IOE {in this ease 112) is multiplied by the number of mines by type in the JOE cluster composition selected: 112X1=112 AT blast mines 112x2=224 Apers mines—fragmentation 112x2=224 Apers mines—blast(5) Step 5. These quantities are entered in the tae on line opposite 10E in the appropriste columns, and added to the quantities eomputed for the main field. These sub- totals are entered on line 3. (8) Step 6. Ten percent is added to the subtotal found in ‘step 5 to allow for damaged items and Irregularities in terrain and stip length. This Rgure is entered on Ine 4 ). Suamary. The total number of mines, by type (line 5) required for this Installation is 2323 AT blast mines 4,648 Apers fragmentation mines 9.085 Apers blast mines 30. Computation of Mined Strips 6: Gera Comaalion oft ner of min in ap 3 Dota Dewy A hat ben ttt ee the ante ot inn yor rt wlveh ok side Yo tere ie Seo mint expel merely, ed rope dry 8 he Wl ly wos be the fimotes ct gorit 6, Cuter Spacing. Bach mins ip ot nating TOR, bs a Gast very 8 pc tnd hth dea one hte of neh mine when Sane cong ene of eck ‘Sot mn "a al niyo mien eg of nd Iiwes wos otis ey of 34 fm Chart ‘ay cots oT A ine, emp ad Ars meet tal of 5 The alorng (ES rope cla th mint toner of soe vale Brame! cvn al of its er fd of fom =H pores tsar yn ahs ws punter, 9p The Sez of mln pe art fenton turbo TOE" Thi mated sae hon he he ) Fale of thumb may be eo sum asEvample: Given: density 1-1-1, The total density is TH141 oF 8 144 oF 2 strips However, it ls not posable to obtain a density of 1 AT rine per yard of front with less than 3 strips, and it ‘would e necessary to multiply only the nuraber of AT zines per yard of front by 8 to determine the minimum umber of strips required. Therefore, the constant 3 And 3 18 to be remembered and the AT to Apers ratio disregarded, The total density in mines per yard of front is to be multiplied hy 3. The AT mine density per yard of front is to be multiplied by 8. The larger hpumber thas obtained is uted ae the minimumn number of strips required for the stated density (1) Density 8-4-12=% <19=35 1155 oF 12 strips 3x39 strips se 12 strips minimum (2) Density 21-25% 55=1%4 oF 9 strips 3x26 atrips Use 6 strips minimum 4. Chster-Composition Table, (1) Use, A luster-composition table ie prepared by the OIC of the laying unit to control the allocation of mines to a stelp as a guide to the laying party NCO's and NCOIC, and the required transportation of mines to the ‘strip, Minos are alloceted by stip, keeping in mind the total, no that not more than one AT blast mine ix pltced Jn each representative cluster, and the recommended ‘maximum of five mines per eluter ie not exceeded, (2) Preparation, A tabular form is prepared as shown Delow to facilitate th distribution of mines by the earry- ing party as well as transportation by type mine to the minefield, Ezample: Given: Density 1-2-2 Minimum number of strips required: 4 Mine types: AT blast, Apers Fragmentation, Apers blast. “The clustor composition ig entered on the frst line of the table. This table represents only one alloca tion of mine typos; many others are possible, provided that the total column is not exceeded, and that number of mines in any 1 eluster does not exceed 5,Section ll. MINEFIELD PLANNING AND SITING 31. Mission of Minefield ‘The plan of operations will determine the size, leation, and the lanes and gaps of minefields @. Size. When plans envision estly attack, only « minimam clffective Bld isto he installed. If the plans contemplate a pro- tracted defense, the minefld should be planned with increated Alersities and depth to provide maximum effectiveness, , Location. The locations for minefields are dictated by the overall plan of operation, the terrain and the location of other ‘obstacles. ‘To bo most efetive, a minefield must be anchored to natural or artiilal obstacles.” On a short-term minimarmase basis, minefields should be sited in tkely avenues of enemy ape proach. For prolonged defense, felds should be located #0 ax to permit later expansion. They must require more time and be ‘more hazardous to breach than to flank. Minefsids ean be sl fully employed to evolve a tactiel plan affording mass targets for artillery and antitank weapons and by channeling an attacking {oroe into-a small aren covered by massed fies. On a larger scale, rineficlds may he sited in patterns, so that « penetration of the foremost Held will be contained by subsequent fields, Carefully ‘concealed gaps can then be used as counterattack routes. ©. Lones and Gapa. The mission will determine the number, location, and width of lanes and gaps, These features, together with provisions for relocation of lanes, when extended use is in prospect, must be incorporated in the original desig of the Installation. oo sure 2(1) Minefield tones and gape must be sited to allow the unit protecting the field, an adjacent units, to execute operational plans auch ag. patrolling, attacking, and counterattacking, The general locations of lanes and izeps should be given to the eommander of the laying Unit by the taetieal commander conezrned, Lanes and leaps must be akilflly sited ao that thelr location is not ‘easily determined by the enemy. Their trace should be irregular and should not follow established roads or paths, Every effort should be made to deceive the enemy fs to their location. While the eld Is being laid out, but before installation of mines, whecled and tracked vehicle can be used to establish paths through the feld ‘which ean later be mined, thus prompting the enemy to think these tracks indieste the trace of safe lanes. (2) The location of lanes and ape must be changed fre- ‘quently to prevent detection and subsoquent ambush of patrols, In minefields having a high density of small, honmetaltc mines, leations for future lanes end gape should be determined before the feld 1s installed and tore easly detectable mines laid in such areas. ‘This makes the clearing of future lanes less difiult and time Consuming. Tactical commanders must always be con Salted regarding future loeatons of lanes and gaps. 4. Type of Mine Used. Toe complexity, lethality snd difficulty of detection and removal of modern mines may drastically hamper future operations. The use of smell, hard-todeteet, nonmetallic ‘mines, boobytraps, boobytrapped mines and other special devices will be governed by the future plan of operation. Planning must ‘iso encompass the employment of improvised flame and toxie chemical mines, 32. Coverage by Fire Minefislds, with the exception of barsier and nuisance fis, rust be covered by fire; barrier fields may be covered by obser- vation, with mobile fire-support teams in reserve. Fire coverage ray be divided into two general types— 4, Direct fre from rifles, machineguns, rocket launches ecolless tes, to cover the eld ». Indirect fire from mortars snd artillery sited so that eon- centrations and barrages de not fall directly In the minefield. If the concentration must be plotted in the minefield, airbursts should be weed and - sco st38, Enemy Copabiltor Enemy capabilities will infuence the sie, composition, and type of minefield tobe lid. Some of the factors to be considered are 1. The number and tactics of enemy armor and infantry and ‘the normal role of his employment of each element. 2. The quantity and quality of enemy bresching equipment and the technique and effectiveness of enemy breaching methods ¢, The capability of the enemy, sporadically or continuously, to harass, or otherwise interfere with the progress of the laying ores, 34, Utilization of Terrain Careful analysis of the terrain, with a view toward tying in the minefield installation with existing natural obstacles, will materially inerease the overall effectiveness of the obstacle system, ‘The concealment afforded by the vegetation in the area may be ‘exploited to advantage in inereasing deception and dificlty in clearance by selecting the types of mines that ean be most easily camouflaged. “Minefelds should be under Seiendiy observation and, if possible, so sted as to deny the enemy divest observation until he makes contact with the eld 35, Availabilty of Mines ‘The availablity of mines and restrictions on the use of certain types are important considerations in planning and siting a mine field on the ground, “When the supply Is limited, priorities and controls must be established, In ertical areas, mine uses must be specifed and quantities carefully allocated 4» planning & minefield installation, consideration should be sziven to the number and experience of the troops who will be fgaued in the laying operations. These factors wil effect the following 4, Bztent of Pied. ‘The capability of the laying wnt will dter- mine the extensiveness of the field within specified time Init, , Laying Rates. Minefield planning must include an estimated ‘completion time in order to ascertain whether the eld wil be laid in time to present an effective obstacle to the enemy, Laying rates, based on experience and prevaling conditions, will provide suldanee for these caleuations. © Technique of Laying. When planning a minefield and de- sao wre -clding the depree of complexity desired, the number of trained ‘mine specialists must be considered. Boobytvepping is a highly specialized task requiring trained personnel for rapid, successful 37. Other Obstoces ‘The overall minefield plan should include a tie-in with demol- tions and other artifial obetacles 90 to present a more com- plete and reinforced barrier to the enemy advance. When au thority hss been received, boobytrapping of demolition sltes and other artielal obstac'er will greatly hinder the efforts of the fenemy to repair, romove, oF replao the damaged installation, 38. Climotie and Soil Coneltions In winter, minefields are placed where snowérifts are unlikely to build up, When @ minefleld Isto e retained for s long period fof time, if should not be laid in grassy pasture areas unless abso Iutely necessary. Differences in the tate of growth between the serass over the m’nes snd adjacent grass will indicate the location of mines, 39, Chemical Capabilities Consideration should be given to the folowing chemles! es Dilities when planning and siting minefields 4 Toric Chemical Mines. Toxie chemical mines are designed to infict casualties on personnel crossing the mined area, to fur= ther delay minefield breaching operations and to deny the enemy ‘the use of elected terrain. When authorized for use, these mines ‘will usually be emploved in intesrsted or eompesite minefols, It toxie chemical mines are employed, friendly personnel must be prO- vided with protection In ease the Yoxle agent I iberated asthe re- sult of enemy fire or breaching attempts under wind conditions un- favorable to friendly troops, If «minefield containing only eheries) ‘mines is used, the mines may be detonated by remole control just before a major enemy attack. Chemical mines with per- Eistent-effet toxic agent filer may also be ned to advantage dr Ing retrograde operations, because thelt ffectivenest continues beyond the time of detonation 3. Flome fines. lame mines in the form of expedient devieet are used for night lamination and eaely warning purposes, They fan be employed singly, in groups along the forward wige of & minefield oF placed in a composite minefield. When used in eami- posite minefelds, fame mines are not implaced as components of fhe mine cluster,