outward. The blast-type mine may be the small M14 type or may be a larger AT-type mine with an
APERS-type fuze. These mines normally have a larger high-explosive charge with little or no
fragmentation. Currently, the M14 is the only US blast-type mine. It has a small, all plastic body with
an integral fuze.
AT Mines. AT mines are explosive devices placed on, or slightly below the surface of the ground.
The AT mine will, depending on its size and type, damage or destroy tanks and other vehicles. The
blast-type AT mine may not always destroy a tank, but it can be relied upon to delay its movement.
The plate-type M21 mine will destroy all known tanks. The off-route mine is designed to propel a HEAT
rocket. It is very effective at short ranges against tanks.
Chemical Mines. Chemical mines are filled with a toxic chemical filler. These mines are used to
contaminate an area or to produce casualties. The use of these mines is doubtful due to the US
position on chemical agent use. The US has developed two types of chemical mines.
The one-gallon, metal-can chemical mine is designed to be filled with a liquid blister agent (H or HD).
This type of mine has no explosives or fuzing. Two short copper wires are soldered to one side of its
body. These wires are used to attach the bursting charge (detonating cord). It is normally set off with
the standard electric or the nonelectric demolition firing system.
The second type of chemical mine is the M23 VX-filled (nerve gas) mine. It is similar in appearance
and functioning to the heavy M15 AT mine.
Scatterable Mines. A new family of mines, normally referred to as scatterable mines, has been
developed and may replace all others. These mines are designed to be disbursed by aircraft, artillery
projectiles, large rockets such as the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), and by rapid-vehicle
dispersing systems.
Grenades
A grenade is a small missile weighing between 1 and 2 pounds. It may be filled with high explosives or
with chemical agents. Grenades are used against enemy personnel and materials at relatively short
ranges. There are three types of grenadeshand grenades, rifle grenades, and the 40mm grenade.
Hand Grenades. The hand grenade is thrown by the user. It supplements small-arms fire in close
combat where artillery fire cannot be used. Hand grenades are classified as fragmentation (defensive),
chemical, practice, illuminating, and offensive. See Figure 4.
Rifle Grenades. Rifle grenades are launched from the standard service rifle that is equipped with a
grenade launcher or an M16 adapter. These grenades are used against enemy tanks and bunkers.
They are also used for screening and signaling purposes. See Figure 4.
The 40mm Grenade. The 40mm special-purpose grenade system does not fit into the hand- or
rifle-grenade categories. It could also be classified as a small, hand-held machinegun, mortar, or
artillery system. The 40mm grenade system utilizes a variety of projectiles to include HE
fragmentation, dual-purpose, chemical, signal, smoke, and a cannister/shotgun round.
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