Land Mines
Land mines are used primarily as a barrier for area denial. The two basic types of mines are antipersonnel and
anti-tank/anti-vehicular (AT/AV). Scatterable mines are covered separately later in this lesson.
Antipersonnel Mines. As the name implies, antipersonnel mines are primarily intended for use against
enemy personnel. They are usually small enough to be carried in one hand. They may be constructed of either
plastic or metal. They may be either externally or internally fuzed, depending on the model. In one case, the
mine is fuzed for command detonation. The paragraphs that follow describe the two types of antipersonnel mines
(bounding and nonbounding).
Bounding-type mines are all constructed of metal. Examples of this type are shown in Figure 2-7. All are
singularly fuzed. M16-series mines have external fuzing, and can be functioned either by direct pressure or by
trip wires. M16-series mines have an olive-drab body with yellow markings. The DODIC for the M16 series is
K092. The M86 mine has internal fuzing. It is manually armed by removing the safety clip. Approximately 60
seconds after the safety clip is removed, the mine arms itself fully and deploys trip wires. Disturbing the armed
mine or any of the trip wires will function the mine. The M86 has an olive-drab body with black markings. Its
DODIC is K152.
Non-bounding-type antipersonnel mines may be of either metal or plastic construction. Examples of mines of this
type are shown in Figure 2-8. They can use single or multiple fuzing that is either internal or external.
The M18 is the only directional antipersonnel mine in use. It is used primarily in defense of bivouac areas and
outposts or against infiltration tactics, and is effective against non-armored vehicles. It has a plastic body and two
fuze wells. It can be set up to function by command detonation or by trip wire. It has an olive-drab body with
black markings. The DODIC for the M18 is K143.
M14 antipersonnel mines are used when small, non-detectable, concealable mines are required. The M14 has an
all-plastic body and uses internal fuzing. It can only be functioned by direct pressure. It has an olive-drab body
with yellow markings. The DODIC for the M14 is K121.
The M74 antipersonnel mine is emplaced only by the ground vehicle, mine dispenser, M128. It is used in mixed
mine fields to protect anti-tank (AT) mines. The M74 mine is constructed of metal. It has an internal fuze, and is
partially armed through the emplacement process. Approximately 60 seconds after being emplaced, the mine
deploys trip wires and becomes fully armed. It will function as a result of being disturbed, by trip wire, or by self-
destructing. It has a green (not olive-drab) body with black markings. The DODIC for the M74 is K151.
Anti-Tank/Anti-Vehicular Mines. AT/AV mines, shown in Figure 2-9, are primarily intended for use against
tanks and armored vehicles. They are larger and heavier than antipersonnel mines. They may be constructed of
either metal or plastic, and they may use either internal or external fuzing. When external fuzing is used, the mine
will often use multiple fuze wells that allow for multiple fuzing or booby trap devices.
The M15 AT mine is round and constructed of metal. It has three fuze wells-one primary well located on the top
center, one secondary well located on the side, and one secondary well on the bottom. It is manually armed, and
functions by direct pressure on the fuze. Because it is an AT mine, it requires heavy pressure (350 to 750
pounds) to function. The color code of the M15 is an olive-drab body with yellow markings. Its DODIC is K180.
2-7
MM0145
Previous Page
