Fit to be Fried

The term “Claymore” was first used to describe a Scottish Broadsword commonly used to wreak bloody havoc in warfare from 1500 to 1700, a two-hand-wielded behemoth that could cleave a man in two under the force of it’s own gravity, let alone when being swung at you. The focus of this article is not, however, about this monster of a sword, or it’s sissy little brother of the same name, which was used after 1715 in Scotland, and had a basket hilt to “protect the hand while in use” (what a bunch of babies). No, this article is about the M18A1 Claymore Anti-Personnel Mine, a worthy successor to the name, for reasons I’ll now explain.

For one thing, the Claymore mine was invented by an actual Scotsman, by the name of Norman A. MacLeod. Okay, technically, the initial idea behind the Claymore was actually developed by the Germans during World War Two, utilizing the “Misznay-Schardin effect”¹.

The Canadians fielded a similar weapon known as “the Phoenix” to counter the German mines, but it was not until the Korean War that MacLeod began to develop his own utilization, and not until the Vietnam War was the M18A1 finally put into widespread use by the U.S. military.

The M18A1 is particulalrly effective against personnel (hence the name “Anti-Personnel Mine”), as it uses C-4 to fire about 700 steel ball-bearings in a 60° arc at nearly 4,000 ft (or 1,200 meters, for our friends across the pond), rendering anything fleshy directly in front of it into a fine pink mist, and leaving anything anywhere near it’s path in a condition much worse than it had previously enjoyed. It’s casing is made of a hard green plastic with the words “Front Towards Enemy”(duh.) embossed on it’s front. Below is some more info on the Claymore, for those who are interested.

from WikiPedia:

The Claymore mine is typically deployed in one of three modes: Controlled, Uncontrolled, or Time-delayed.

1. Controlled Mode (also known as Command Detonation)
   The mine is detonated by the operator as the forward edge of the enemy approaches a point within the killing zone (20 to 30 meters (65 to 100 ft)) where maximum casualties can be inflicted. Controlled detonation may be accomplished by use of either an electrical or nonelectrical firing system. When mines are employed in the controlled role, they are treated the same as individual weapons and are reported for inclusion in the unit fire plan. They are not reported as mines; however, the emplacing unit must ensure that the mines are removed, detonated, or turned over to a relieving unit. The M57 Firing Device (colloquially referred to as the “clacker”) is included with the M18A1 Claymore Mine so that it can be used in the controlled mode. When Claymore Mines are daisy chained together, one M57 firing device can initiate several claymore mines.

2. Uncontrolled Mode (also known as Victim Initiated Detonation)
   Uncontrolled firing is accomplished when the mine is installed in such a manner as to cause an unsuspecting enemy to detonate the mine. Mines employed in this manner must be reported and recorded as land mines. There are many mechanisms that can be used to initiate the M18A1 in uncontrolled mode, including the M142 Multipurpose Firing Device, M5 Pressure Release Device (mousetrap), tripwires, strikers, infrared sensors, acoustic & vibration sensors.
3. Time-delayed Mode
   Time-delayed firing involves the fitting of a short timed fuse and a fuse igniter to allow the mine to be used as a pursuit deterrent. This, anecdotally, may be combined with a CS grenade or bag containing the irritant contained in a CS grenade. The mine is emplaced, quickly oriented on the direction pursuers are most likely to take, and the fuse is ignited before the position is abandoned.

from Armystudyguide.com:

Once done installing the M18A1, how far behind the mine should the wire be secured?
1 meter

Describe the M18A1
A curved, rectangular-shaped weapon, with an olive drab molded case of fiberglass filled polystyrene (plastic). In the front portion of the case is a fragmentation face containing steel spheres embedded in a plastic matrix. The back portion of the case behind the matrix contains a layer of explosives.

What is the M18A1 primarily used for?
It was designed for use against mass infantry attacks

What is the first step in installing the M18A1?
Inspect the components

How much does the M18A1 weigh?
1.5 lbs

What color is a “training” M18A1?
Blue

How long is the wire that the M4 blasting cap is connected to?
100 ft

Name the components that are in the bandoleer of the M18A1
The M7 bandoleer has two pockets. One pocket contain the mine and the other contains:

* M40 test set
* M57 firing device
* M4 Electric Blasting cap Assembly
* Instructions

Where will you find the instructions for the employment of the M18A1?
Under the flap of the bandoleer

What color is a “live” M18A1?
Green

What is the effective frontal range of the M18A1?
When detonated, the M18A1 mine will deliver spherical steel fragments over a 60° fan-shaped pattern that is 2 meters high and 50 meters wide at a range of 50 meters

Who keeps the M57 firing device while the M18A1 is being installed?
The individual installing the mine

What Field Manual covers the M18A1?
FM 23-23

What are the two sites used on the M18A1 to aim it?
Knife-edge and slit-type peep sights

When aiming the M18A1 using the slit-type peepsight, how far above the ground do you aim?
2 and 1/2 meters above the ground

When aiming the M18A1 using the knife edge sight, how far above the ground do you aim?
You aim at ground level

What type of explosive is used in the M18A1?

1.5 lbs composition C4 (plastic explosive)

One M40 test set is included with how may M18A1 claymores?
1 in each case of 6

What is the killing zone of the M18A1?
About 20 to 30 meters

How far is the danger area to the rear of the M18A1?
16 meters (The mine firing position should be in a foxhole or covered position at least 16 meters to the rear or the side of the emplaced mine.)

semperfried76 is the last hope for humanity.
Too bad he hates you all.

Sadly, the M18A1 Claymore, along with most other landmines, is a weapon whose usefulness in war has been gutted by anti-mine treaties which severely limit it’s use to certain guidelines. Most notably of these is the use of the Claymore in uncontrolled or “tripwire” mode, which requires the most stringent guidelines, including clearly marking the area which has been mined to avoid civilian casualties².

This is another study guide from www.armystudyguides.com, this one on the M9 9mm service pistol. Though often criticized by Soldiers and Marines in comparison to the former defacto side arm of our military, the Colt 1911 .45 Caliber (mainly in terms of stopping power), the M9 has had a long run with our military, and from experience I can tell you that this is a damn fine weapon, worthy of it’s valued place in our Nation’s arsenal. I’m using this study guide on the M9 as the basis for the second half of the class I have to give this weekend at drill.

M9 Study Guide

What is the weight of the M9 pistol with an empty magazine? 2.1 Pounds Describe the M9 pistol. The M9 pistol is a 9-mm, semiautomatic, magazine fed, recoil-operation, double-action weapon chambered for the 9-mm cartridge. Describe the magazine for the M9. A standard staggered box magazine designed to hold 15 rounds What is the weight of the M9 pistol with a 15 round magazine? 2.6 pounds What is the basic load of ammunition for the M9? 45 Rounds How many rounds can a magazine designed for the M9 hold? 15 Rounds What are the two types of ammunition used by the M9?   Cartridge, 9-mm ball, M882 with/without cannelure). Cartridge, 9-mm dummy, M917. What Field Manual covers the M9? FM 3-23.35 What are the proper clearing procedures for the M9?   Place the decocking/safety lever in the SAFE down position. Hold the pistol in the raised pistol position. Depress the magazine release button and remove the magazine from the pistol. Pull the slide to the rear and remove any chambered round. Push the slide stop up, locking the slide to the rear. Look into the chamber to ensure that it is empty. What are the steps required to perform a function check for the M9?   Clear the pistol in accordance with the unloading procedures. Depress the slide stop, letting the slide go forward. Insert an empty magazine into the pistol. Retract the slide fully and release it. The slide should lock to the rear. Depress the magazine release button and remove the magazine. Ensure the decocking/safety lever is in the SAFE position. Depress the slide stop. When the slide goes forward, the hammer should fall to the forward position. Squeeze and release the trigger. The firing pin block should move up and down and the hammer should not move. Place the decocking/safety lever in the fire POSITION. Squeeze the trigger to check double action. The hammer should cock and fall. Squeeze the trigger again. Hold it to the rear. Manually retract and release the slide. Release the trigger. A click should be heard and the hammer should not fall. Squeeze the trigger to check the single action. The hammer should fall. What are the steps to the cycle of operation of the M9?   Feeding Chambering Locking Firing Unlocking Extracting Ejecting Cocking How do you perform immediate action for the M9?   Ensure the decocking/safety lever is in the FIRE position. Squeeze the trigger again. If the pistol does not fire, ensure that the magazine is fully seated, retract the slide to the rear, and release. Squeeze the trigger. If the pistol again does not fire, remove the magazine and retract the slide to eject the chambered cartridge. Insert a new magazine, retract the slide, and release to chamber another cartridge. Squeeze the trigger. If the pistol still does not fire, perform remedial action. How do you perform remedial action for the M9?   Clear the pistol. Inspect the pistol for the cause of the stoppage. Correct the cause of the stoppage, load the pistol, and fire. If the pistol again fails to fire, disassemble it for closer inspection, cleaning, and lubrication. What are the major components of the M9?   Slide and Barrel assembly Recoil spring and Recoil Spring guide Barrel and Locking Block Assembly Receiver Magazine What is the maximum range of the M9? 1800 meters What is the maximum effective range of the M9? 50 meters What are the three safety features found on the M9?   Decocking Safety Lever Firing Pin Block

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I was doing some research for a class I’m scheduled to give at my next National Guard drill, concerning immediate action in case of stoppage on the M16A2 and M9 9mm pistol, and came across armystudyguide.com, a fantastic site for anyone wishing to increase his or her military knowledge. This here is basically everything any Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine should know about the M16A2 (for Marines now using the M16A4 and Soldiers using the M4 Carbine, hang tight, even though most of the information here will have you covered, I’ll be posting info on those weapons soon.) . Enjoy…

M16A2 Study Guide

What is the FM concerning the M16/A2 Rifle? FM 3-22.9 What is the first thing you should do when you handle a weapon? Make sure you clear it Name the five phases in Basic Rifle Marksmanship.   Preliminary Rifle Instruction Downrange Feedback Field Fire Advanced Rifle Marksmanship Advanced Optics, Laser and Iron Sights What is the purpose of a weaponeer? The weaponeer is capable of simulating all of the BRM live fire scenarios without firing rounds. Immediate feedback is available for critiquing the soldier’s application of the integrated act of firing while using the weaponeer device to include misfire procedures. What are the four fundamentals of marksmanship?   Steady Position Proper Aim (Sight Picture) Breathing Trigger Squeeze During Preliminary Marksmanship Training (PMI), what are the only two positions taught?   Individual Foxhole supported Basic Prone unsupported What are the two basic elements of the Sight Picture?   Sight Alignment Placing of the Aiming Point What does the Acronym SPORTS stand for? Slap, Pull, Observe, Release, Tap and Shoot What is remedial action? Remedial action is the continuing effort to determine the cause for a stoppage or malfunction and to try to clear the stoppage once it has been identified. Describe the proper procedures for applying remedial action with the M16/A2.   Try to place the weapon on safe Remove the magazine Lock the bolt to the rear Place the weapon on safe if not already done Describe the proper procedure for applying immediate action with the M16/A2.   Slaps gently upward on the magazine to ensure it is fully seated, and the magazine follower is not jammed. Pulls the charging handle fully to the rear. Observes for the ejection of a live round or expended cartridge. (If the weapon fails to eject a cartridge, perform remedial action.) Releases the charging handle (do not ride it forward). Taps the forward assist assembly to ensure bolt closure. Squeezes the trigger and tries to fire the rifle. Is SPORTS an Immediate or Remedial Action? Immediate action What is immediate action? Immediate action involves quickly applying a possible correction to reduce a stoppage without performing troubleshooting procedures to determine the actual cause.(SPORTS) How many times should immediate action be applied to a weapon? Once. (If Rifle still fails to fire, apply remedial action) What is a malfunction? The weapon ceasing to fire due to a stoppage resulting from mechanical failure of the weapon, magazine or ammo. Name the different categories of malfunctions on the M16/A2.   Failure to feed, chamber or lock Failure to fire cartridge Failure to Extract Failure to Eject What is stoppage? A stoppage is a failure of an automatic or semiautomatic firearm to complete the cycle of operation. How do you clear a stoppage? Apply immediate or remedial action What is the definition of Maximum Effective Range? The greatest distance at which a soldier may be expected to deliver a target hit. What does CLP stand for?   Cleaner - It contains solvents that dissolve firing residue and carbon. Lubricant - It lays down a layer of teflon as it dries to provide lubrication. Preservative - It prevents rust from Forming. Describe the M16/A2 Rifle. A 5.56 mm, magazine fed, gas-operated, air-cooled, semiautomatic or three-round burst, hand-held, shoulder-fired weapon. What are the 7 types of ammunition that can be used with the M16/A2 Rifle?   M193 – Ball M196 – Trace M199 – Dummy M200 – Blank (Violet tip and 7 petal rose crimp) M855 – Ball (Green Tip) M856 – Tracer (Red Tip) M862 – Short Range Training Ammunition (Plastic with a Blue Tip) What are the four steps required in order to mechanically zero the M16/A2? 1. Adjust the front sight post up or down until the base of the front sight post is flush with the front sight post housing. 2. Adjust the elevation knob counterclockwise, as viewed from above, until the rear sight assembly rests flush with the carrying handle and the 8/3 marking is aligned with the index line on the left side of the carrying handle. 3. Position the apertures so the unmarked aperture is up and the 0-200 meter aperture is down. Rotate the windage knob to align the index mark on the 0-200 meter aperture with the long center index line on the rear sight assembly. What are the steps required in order to battlesight zero the M16/A2? 1. Adjust the elevation knob counterclockwise, as viewed from above, until the rear sight assembly rests flush with the carrying handle and the 8/3 marking is aligned with the index line on the left side of the carrying handle. Then adjust the elevation knob one more click clockwise. 2. Position the apertures so the unmarked aperture is up and the 0-200 meter aperture is down. Rotate the windage knob to align the index mark on the 0-200 meter aperture with the long center index line on the rear sight assembly. Describe the weights of the M16/A2 Rifle.   Without Magazine and Sling - 7.78 pounds With Sling and a loaded 20 round magazine - 8.48 pounds With Sling and a loaded 30 round magazine - 8.79 pounds Describe the max effective rates of fire for the M16/A2 Rifle.   Semiautomatic - 45 rounds per minute Burst - 90 rounds per minute Sustained - 12-15 rounds per minute What is the muzzle velocity of the M16/A2 Rifle? 3,100 feet per second Describe the ranges for the M16/A2 Rifle.   Maximum Range - 3,600 meters Max Effective Range for a Point Target - 550 meters Max Effective Range for an Area Target - 800 meters Describe the Barrel Rifling for the M16/A2 Rifle. Right hand twist 1/7 What is the basic load of ammunition for the M16/A2 Rifle? 210 Rounds total. (7 magazines with 30 rounds in each) The elevation knob adjusts the point of aim for the M16A2 Rifle how much? 300 to 800 meters What is the overall length of the M16/A2 Rifle? 39.63 inches What are the 8 steps in the functioning of the M16/A2 rifle?   Feeding Chambering Locking Firing Unlocking Extracting Ejecting Cocking Describe the procedures for clearing the M16/A2 Rifle.   Point the muzzle in a designated SAFE DIRECTION. Attempt to place selector lever on SAFE. If weapon is not cocked, lever cannot be placed on SAFE. Remove the magazine by depressing the magazine catch button and pulling the magazine down. To lock bolt open, pull charging handle rearward. Press bottom of bolt catch and allow bolt to move forward until it engages bolt catch. Return charging handle to full forward position. If you have not done so before, place the selector lever on SAFE. Visually (not physically) inspect the receiver and chamber to ensure these areas contain no ammo. With the selector lever pointing toward SAFE, allow the bolt to go forward by pressing the upper portion of the bolt catch. Place the selector lever on SEMI and squeeze the trigger. Pull the charging handle fully rearward and release it, allowing the bolt to return to the full forward position. Place the selector lever on SAFE. Close the ejection port cover. How do you perform a functions check on the M16/A2 Rifle?   Place the selector lever on safe. If the selector switch will not go on safe, pull the charging handle to the rear and release. Place the selector lever on safe. Pull the trigger to the rear, the hammer should not fall. Place the selector lever on semi. Pull the trigger to the rear and hold. The hammer should fall. While holding the trigger to the rear, pull the charging handle to the rear and release. Release the trigger and pull it to the rear again. The hammer should fall. Place the selector lever on burst. Pull the charging handle to the rear and release. Pull the trigger to the rear and hold. The hammer should fall. While holding the trigger to the rear, pull the charging handle to the rear three times and release. Release the trigger and pull it to the rear again. The hammer should fall.

Now you know…

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