UNITED STATES MARINE CORPSAdvanced Infantry Training Company

School of InfantryTraining Command

Camp Lejeune, NC 28542-0161

STUDENT OUTLINE

Claymore Mine

ISLC0405

April 15 2001

TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE.

(1) With the aid of references, given a tactical scenario, direct the employment of the M18A1 claymore mine, per FM 23-23 and MCWP 3-35.3. (0311.21.05)

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES.

(1) Without the aid of the reference, given a list of choices, state the employment techniques of the M18A1 claymore mine in the defense, per FM 23-23, pages 22 to 24. (0311.21.05a)

(2) Without the aid of the reference, given a list of choices, state the employment techniques of the M18A1 claymore mine in the offense, per FM 23-23, page 24. (0311.21.05b)

(3) Without the aid of the reference, given a list of choices, state the employment techniques of the M18A1 claymore mine in an urban environment, per MCWP 3-35.3 pages F-1 to F13. (0311.21.05c)

(4) Without the aid of the reference, given a list of choices, select required safety distances, per FM 23-23 page 7. (0311.21.05d)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR THIS LESSON

(5) Without the aid of the reference, given a list of choices, select the three danger areas, per FM 23-23 page 7. (0311.21.05e)

OVERVIEW: The purpose of this class is to familiarize you with the employment of the M18A1 Claymore Mine. This class relates to demolitions.

CLASS PREPERATION: Read this handout prior to the class.

OUTLINE

1. ANTIPERSONNEL MINE, M18A1.

a. Description. The anti-personnel mine M18A1, commonly known, as the "claymore" is a directional, fixed, fragmentation mine, which is extremely effective against enemy infantry and light-skinned vehicles such as trucks and jeeps. The mine is a curved, rectangular, olive drab, molded case of fiberglass, containing 1.5 pounds of composition C4 explosive and 700 steel balls. The fragmentation face is curved outward to direct the fragments in a 60-degree arc and across the top to control the vertical dispersion of the fragments. This mine is unique in that it may be employed as a controlled weapon, land mine or booby trap. The mine has two detonator wells on top with shipping plugs/primary adapters inserted. Older models are equipped with a molded slit-type peep sight used for aiming the mine. Later models have the knife edge sight. Two arrows with points forward are located on top of the mine near each end. These are additional safety features to ensure the mine is directed towards the enemy. The front of the mine has inscribed FRONT TOWARD ENEMY to help insure proper installation. The back has inscribed BACK, name of mine, lot number, and date the mine was packaged. The bottom has two pairs of scissors legs, which are used for laying the mine.

2. COMPONENTS OF THE M7 BANDOLEER.

a. M7 Bandoleer. The components needed for electrical employment are carried in the M7 bandoleer. The bandoleer is constructed of water-resistant canvas (olive-drab color) with snap fasteners to secure the flaps. The bandoleer has two pockets. One contains the mine and the other contains a firing device, a test set, and an electrical blasting cap assembly. A

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STUDENT INFORMATION

2-inch wide web strap, which is used as a shoulder strap, is sewn to the bag. An olive green, water repellent instruction sheet is sewn to the inside flap.

b. Firing Device M57 . The M57 firing device is a hand heldpulse generator which, by a single actuation of the handle, produces a double (one positive, one negative) electrical pulse. A safety bail is connected to one end of the firing device to prevent the handle from being actuated unless ready to fire. The other end of the firing device contains a rubber connector with a dust cover.

c. Electric Blasting Cap M6. Electric blasting cap M6 is attached to 100 feet (30 meters) of firing wire. Attached to the firing wire connector is a combination shorting plug and dust cover. The shorting plug should be kept on until the mine is ready to employ. This prevents accidental detonation by static electricity and keeps dust out of the connection. The blasting cap assembly is wrapped around a flat piece of cardboard paper and rolled to form a package approximately 6 inches long. With mines of later manufacture the blasting cap assembly is wound on a spool.

d. Test Set M40. Test set M40 is an instrument used forchecking the continuity of the initiating circuit of this mine. Rubber connectors protrude from each end of the test set, one with a combination shorting plug and dust cover and the other with a dust cover only. A small window is provided for observing the flashes of an indicator lamp. Only one of the six bandoleers in each packaging box contains a test set. It is marked with a tag.

Student Notes:

3. CONTROLLED FRONTAL COVERAGE.

a. To cover the entire front of a position, two methods used:

(1) Claymores are placed in a line no closer than 5 meters and no further apart than 45 meters. The preferred lateral and rearward separation distance is 25 meters.

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(2) The second method is placing the mines in depth, from front to rear. The minimum distance between mines is 5 meters provided the secondary missiles are removed. Secondary missiles are items such as sticks, stones and pebbles.

4. POSITIONING THE CLAYMORE MINE FOR DETONATION.

a. Remove the claymore from the M7 bandoleer.

b. Select an aiming point at ground level that is about 50 meters (150 feet) in front of the mine.

c. Turn the legs downward and spread them apart 45 degrees. Twist both pairs of legs so that they are approximately perpendicular to the body of the mine. Position the mine so that the surface marked "FRONT TOWARD ENEMY" and the arrows on top of the case are pointing in the direction of the target area. If possible, press the legs approximately half way into the ground.

5. AIMING THE MINE.

The knife-edge sight has arrows located on top of the mine which are to aim the mine.

a. Position the eye about 6 inches to the rear of the sight. Aim the mine by aligning the two edges of the sight with the aiming point.

b. Select an aiming point which is about 50 meters to the front of the mine and about 2 1/2 meters above the ground. The groove of the peep sight should be in the center of the desired impact area.

6. TESTING THE CIRCUIT OF THE M18A1 CLAYMORE MINE.

a. Testing the M57 Firing Device and M40 Test Set

(1) Remove the dust cover from the connector of the firing device and from the female end connector of the test set. Plug the firing device into the test set. Leave the combination shorting plug and dust cover assembly on the other end of the test set. Position the firing device bail to the FIRE position and actuate handle of the M57 firing device, observing for the flashing of the lamp through the window of the test set.

(2) Flashing of the lamp indicates the firing device is functioning properly. If the lamp does not flash it could be

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caused by corrosion on the electric connectors of the test set. The Marine can overcome this by connecting and disconnecting the shorting plug dust cover on the M40 test set. If the test set indicates that several firing devices are faulty, retest with another set.

b. Testing the Blasting Cap.

(1) After determining that the firing device and test set are operating, remove the shorting plug dust cover from the connector of the firing wire and from the end of the test set. Plug the connector of the firing wire into the test set. Position the M57 firing device bail in the FIRE position. Ensure no friendly personnel are near the blasting cap, as it may detonate.

(2) When the handle of the firing device is actuated, a lamp in the window of the test set will flash. If there is no flash replace the blasting cap and retest.

(3) Immediately after the circuit test, the firing device is disconnected from the firing wire and the shorting plug dust cover is connected to the firing wire.

Student Notes:

7. ARMING/FIRING THE MINE. a. Preparing the mine. Unscrew one of the shipping plug priming adapters from the mine. Slide the slotted end of the shipping plug priming adapter onto the firing wires of the blasting cap. Pull the excess wire through the slotted end of the adapter until the top of the blasting cap is firmly seated in the bottom portion of the shipping plug priming adapter. Screw the priming adapter with the blasting cap into the detonator well of the mine.

b. Recheck the aim of the mine. Camouflage the mine and, if possible, bury the firing wire to protect it from fire and enemy detection. Make certain you have the bandoleer and other accessories and then move back to the firing position. Ensure to wrap the wire around a secure base before moving back.

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c. Before connecting the M57 firing device to the firingwire, make certain that the safety bail is in the SAFE position and that all friendly troops within 250 meters of the front and sides, and 100 meters of the rear of the mine are in a covered position. Remove the dust cover on the firing device, remove the combination shorting plug and dust cover from the end of the firing wire and connect the firing device to the firing wire. Fire the mine by positioning the firing device safety bail in the FIRE position and actuating the firing device handle with a firm, quick squeeze.

8. TWO METHODS OF FIRING THE M18A1 CLAYMORE.

a. One method of firing is the controlled role, in which the mine is detonated by the operator. The mine can either be detonated by an electrical or non-electrical firing system. When employed in this manner the claymore is considered an individual weapon and a mine. The claymore is included in the unit's fire plan. When you leave your position, you must remove, detonate or turn over the mine to the next unit.

b. The second method of firing is the uncontrolled role,when employed by tripwire, where the enemy detonates the claymore. 9. TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT.

The M18A1 mine is primarily a defensive weapon. It may be employed to a limited extent in certain phases of offensive operations. The M18A1 has the same basic capabilities as antipersonnel mines and can be used in most situations where other types of antipersonnel mines are employed.

a. Defense. (0311.21.05a) The M18A1 is normally employed in the controlled role as an antipersonnel mine.

(1) Minefields.

(a) Ease of transportation, installation, and Removal facilitates the use of the M18A1 in protective, defensive, and nuisance minefields.

(b) The M18A1, with its controlled dispersion pattern, is designed to cover areas where enemy personnel attacks in force are anticipated. They may be located singly, or in multiples.

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(c) Claymores may be mixed with antipersonnel and antitank mines in conjunction with nuisance minefields and arranged for detonation by a tripwire.

Student Notes:

(2) Final Protective Fires. The M18A1 can be employed to fill the dead space of the final protective fires of automatic weapons in defensive positions. Depending on the importance of the area being protected, claymore mines may be employed behind each other in relatively close proximity. To avoid the risk of sympathetic detonation, mines should be placed no closer than 5 meters apart. Normally, mines closest to the enemy will be detonated first. If the enemy continues to approach a defender's position, he will successively detonate rearward mines as he comes within their range.

(3) Security of outposts. Claymore mines are easily transported and rapidly employed for security of outposts. The mines can be installed for completed perimeter coverage of a position.

(4) Local Security of Halted Columns. Claymores may be carried on tanks and other types of vehicles and employed for perimeter defense of such vehicles when they are halted. As soon as they are halted, personnel will employ the claymores for close-in protection of the vehicles. Controlled electrical firing should be employed for simplicity, speed, and safety.

(5) Roadblocks and Obstacles. Controlled detonation is most desirable, since the people that fires can best judge the exact moment of detonation.

(6) Booby traps. Using standard firing devices, claymore mines can be employed as booby traps. Concealment of the mine and a positive detonation system is essential. The mine must be employed and sighted to cover the desired area. In order to allow for the full effects of the dispersion pattern of the mine, it is best to locate it away from the booby trap actuation device.

b. Offense. (0311.21.05b) The M18A1 can be employed in certain phases of offensive combat, and provisions for its use

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should be considered in planning offensive operations. Attacking troops for offense of assembly areas, to provide security during the conduct of the attack, and for protection during the reorganization and consolidation of the objective, easily can transport the mine.

(1) Offensive Combat .

(a) Preparation for the Attack. When a unit is approaching the enemy and occupies an assembly area prior to an attack, it is particularly vulnerable to surprise enemy attacks. Claymore mines can be quickly employed around the perimeter of the assembly area to cover the unit during its preparation for the attack.

(b) Conduct of the Attack. During the conduct of the attack, the flank security forces can employ claymores.

(c) Reorganization and Consolidation. During the conduct of the attack, assaulting troops may carry claymores for employment during reorganization and consolidation. After a unit has overrun an enemy position and pursued him by fire, it must immediately begin consolidation of the objective. The prompt emplacement of claymores will provide the base for an immediate defense against possible counterattack, while leaders reorganize their units and prepare to continue the attack.

(2) Ambush. Claymore mines provide an excellent, economical means for establishing effective ambushes deep in enemy territory with a minimum use of friendly personnel. Small groups can easily transport a large number of claymores; for example, one man can carry six claymores, enough to cover a frontage up to 300 meters. Claymores may be employed in any or all of the following ways:

(a) Lateral. Laterally along the killing zone of the ambush, between the ambush element and the killing zone. This method inflicts maximum damage on dismounted troops and is particularly useful in countering enemy immediate action drills that include assault into the ambush element.

(b) Front and Rear. At the front and rear of the killing zone. This method provides enfilade fire into the killing zones, greater economy of employment, and is particularly effective when the route through the killing zone is restricted in width. It also provides a good counter in enemy immediate

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action drills that include withdrawal or forward movement out of the killing zone along the original route.

(c) Laterally or at the Front and Rear. Laterally or at the front and rear of the killing zone, on the far side of the killing zone, on the far side of the killing zone from the ambush element. This method of employment is particularly effective in countering enemy immediate action drills that include maneuver or withdrawal out of the killing zone by moving away from the ambush element. Care must be taken to insure the ambush element is protected from the fragmentation of the M18A1.

(d) Defiles. Claymores are particularly effective in covering areas that might afford the enemy cover from small-arms fire, such as defiles. Claymores used in ambushes may be employed on the ground, in trees, or on other upright objects, which ensure a clear, unobstructed, sighted field of fire. Controlled detonation is desirable, since this permits the firing to be delayed until that portion of the enemy, which the commander desires to catch in the ambush, is in the killing zone. Mines should be carefully camouflaged to prevent their detection.

Student Notes:

10. EMPLOYING THE CLAYMORE IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT. (0311.21.05c)

a. The employment of mines in built-up areas should be recorded on a building sketch. The sketch should include the building number, and all floor plans. It needs to have the location of the mine and the fuse device recorded. When possible the building will be marked on the friendly side to notify friendly troops of the mine. Since clearing a mined area is extremely dangerous, careful considerations must be used when deciding where to place the mine and how to set it up.

b. The claymore can be employed during the reorganization and consolidation phases of the attack on any likely avenue of approach. It does not have to be installed at ground level, but can be placed on the sides of sturdy buildings.

(1) Claymores can be used in the demolition of light buildings or walls.

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(2) Claymores set up with tripwires can be used to cover the dead space on automatic weapons PDF.

(3) Claymore mines can also be used in conjunction with blocking positions to cut off enemy avenues of escape.

11. CASUALTY AND DANGER RADIUS OF THE M18A1 CLAYMORE. (0311.21.05d) (0311.21.05e)

a. The casualty radius is a 60-degree fan shaped pattern that's 2 meters high and 50 meters wide at a range of 50 meters. Fragments are moderately effective up to 100 meters but will travel up to 250 meters forward of the mine. The most desired distance is 50 meters from the target.

b. The danger area consists of a 180-degree fan with a radius of 250 meters centered in the direction of aim.

c. Friendly troops are prohibited to the rear and sides ofthe mine within a radius of 16 meters. The minimum safe operating distance from the mine is 16 meters. At this distance and regardless of how the mine is employed, the operator should be in a fighting position, behind cover or lying prone in a depression.

12. DISARMING AND RECLAIMING THE MINE.

a. Place the safety bail on safe.

b. Disconnect the firing wire from the firing device. Replace the combination shorting plug dust cover on the firing wire connector and the dust cover on the firing device connector.

c. Unscrew and remove the shipping plug-priming adapters containing the blasting cap. Remove the blasting cap and firing wire from the shipping plug-priming adapter and screw the plug end of the adapter into detonator well.

d. Remove the firing wire from the stake. Re-roll the blasting cap and firing wire and place it in its cardboard container.

e. Remove the mine from its emplacement. Repack the mine and its accessories into the pockets of the M7 bandoleer.

Student Notes:

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13. INSTALL A CLAYMORE WITH TRIP WIRES. a. Equipment. Setting up the claymore to fire with trip wires can be done several ways. For this lesson you will be learn the single firing device. The following equipment will be needed:

(1) Pull wire.

(2) Pull type-firing device.

(3) Detonating cord.

(4) Two Non-electrical blasting cap.

(5) Three stakes.

b. Arming the Claymore with Tripwires.

(1) Emplace two anchor stakes about 20 meters to the front of the mine and space them 10 to 20 meters apart.

(2) Emplace one stake to one side of, and about 1 meter from, the mine.

(3) Installation of the firing device.

(a) Remove protective cap.

(b) With crimpers, attach blasting cap to standard base. Crimper jaws should be placed no further than 1/4 of an inch from the open end of the blasting cap.

(c) Tape one end of the detonation cord to the firing device end containing the non-electric blasting cap.

(d) Using tape, wire, twine, or cord, fasten the firing device securely to one of the stakes you emplaced.

(4) Attach a length of tripwire, first to the opposite forward stake and then to the firing device. Attach the tripwire to the pull ring.

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(5) Return to the mine, and wrap the loose end of the detonation cord securely around the nearby stake, leaving at least 1 meter of cord overhang.

(6) Carefully insert the loose end of the detonating cord into a non-electric blasting cap and crimp.

(7) Seat the cap (with detonating cord) in the shipping plug priming adapter and carefully insert the cap into the well.

(8) Secure the cap in the detonator well by carefully screwing the shipping plug priming adapter into the detonator well.

(9) Recheck the mine for proper aim.

(10) Return to the firing device and, with the attached string, carefully pull out the locking safety pin.

(11) With attached string, carefully remove the positive safety pin. If there is any difficulty, replace all safety pins, and replace firing device.

14. DISARM AND RECLAIM CLAYMORE WITH TRIP WIRES.

a. Disarming Mines Equipped with the M1 Firing Device

(1) Move to the claymore and, with M2 Crimpers; cut the detonating cord 6 inches from the mine.

(2) Unscrew and remove the shipping plug priming adapter containing the blasting cap, from the mine.

(3) Remove the blasting cap and detonation cord, reverse the shipping plug priming adapter, and screw it back into the detonator well.

(4) Replace the claymore in its carrying pouch.

(5) Move to the firing device and, with the crimpers, cut detonation cord 6 inches from the point where it is taped to the blasting cap.

Student Notes:

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b. Disarming the M1 Firing Device.

(1) Cut the detonating cord 6 inches from firing device.

(2) Insert the locking safety pin in safety pin hole.

(3) Disconnect the tripwire.

(4) Recover firing device, stakes, and tripwire.

c. To dispose of the crimped blasting caps attach them to other demolitions that will be detonated.

Student check on learning questions:1. Which of the following is not an employment technique of the M18A1 claymore mine in the defense? (0311.21.05a)

a. Minefields b. Booby traps c. During an ambush d. Security of outposts

2. Which of the following is an employment technique of the M18A1 claymore mine in the offense? (0311.21.05b)

a. Football field method b. Preparation for the attack, around the assembly area during preparation for the attack c. While on the move during movement to contact d. Local security of halted columns

3. Demolition of light buildings or walls, Set up trip wires to cover dead space on automatic weapons PDF, in conjunction with blocking positions to cutoff enemy avenues of escape, and are employment techniques of the M18A1 claymore mine in the urban environment. (0311.21.05c)

a. Out of a window. b. During an assault c. Likely avenues of approach d. On vehicles

4. What is the minimum safe firing distance for the M18A1 claymore mine? (0311.21.05d)

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a. 50 meters b. 16 feet c. 50 feet d. 16 meters

REFERENCES:

NUMBER TITLE PAGES

FM 23-23 Antipersonnel Mine M18A1/M18 4 to 25 MCWP 3-35.3 Military Operations on F-1 to F-13 Urbanized Terrain

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