Instructors Special Forces Demolitions Training Handbook 0879475072, 9780879475079

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II{STRIJCTOR'S

Special Forces

Demolitions TRAINING HANDBOOK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 -IntroductiontoDemolitions CHAPTER 2 -CalculationandPlacementof Charges

CHAPTER

39

.....59

-BridgeDemolitions....

CHAPTER4

-AdvancedTechniques...

CHAPTERb

-InsurgencyDemolitions....

CHAPTERG

-ExpedientDevices

.....93

CHAPTERT

-SpecialTargets

.....95

.......77 ....83

-...

-IntroductiontoArson&Indendiarism. CHAPTER I -Field ExpedientDetonatororBlastingCap

.....

107

CHAPTERl0

.....

111

....-..

!27

-AdvancedDemolitionTechniques&SpecialDevices

CHAPTERll -SpontaneousCombustionDevices

-

I

L

\

!L*_

.....

1

CHAPTER3

CHAPTERS

I

.......

99

UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIAL WARFARE SCHOOL

H-

INTRODUCTION TO DEMOLITIONS

10

COMMEN H to H+

Many of you perhaps wonder why MATA bothers to teach

ffitt,f'#;#*n"ilit lJ1;"i;il,,Ti3,'lg,:i;#;:ffT"trJ:: etc. Dem6litions, nevertheless, has a very

importani ptace in counterguerrilla operation. This class is designed not only to show you HOW but Why.

The use of demolitions has not been fully exploited by the Republic of viet-Nam chiefly due to: (1) lack of knowleage; (2') 19d due to fear generated by the lack of knowledge. - I would like to point out to you some methods by which

'

demolitions may be of tremendous help. First, consider demolitions from the military point of view. Demolitions can be of gfeat assistance in the defenie of outposts and new life hamlets. Ambushes of varying kinds and sizei may be easily employed with no exposure of frGndly personnel. rujt political and military leaders of the Viet Cong may ne eliminated quite easily with some of the devices you will see demonstrated. Timber and stumps can be removed with more speed to clear for helipads, LZ's, and DZ-'s. .'Those all-important mbats surrounding villages, outposts, and military installations can be constructed with less manual labor with demolitions, second, it is often said that this is a war for the minds of men. And most certainly, "civic actionrr work is the most assured way of winning the mind of a man, Demolition is of great help to clear land for farms and to build roads in order trrJt ttre farmer may get to market. Demolitions have been used to clear land for new life hamlets. Construction of canals apd drainage ditches lends itself quite well to the use of explosives.

)

COMMENT

CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTIES OF MILITARY EXPI,OSIVES

H+ 10 to H+

There are certain characteristics that ail explosives must meet before they are accepted by the u.s. Army. of atl these characteristics, only one is of importance to the individual soldier, and it is "military exprosives are relatively insensitive to shock, heat, or fraction," This means they are noi li.bte to detonation by small arms fire.

15

COMMENT

DETONATING VELOCITY

H+

At this time I will discuss detonating velocity. Detonating velocity is the speed at which the shock wave p"si"s through i column or block of explosive. It is always expr-essed in feet"per

15

to H-20

second. This is the "yardstick" by which we choose from several explosives for a specific job. An explosive with a low detonating rate, such as ammonium nitrate, pushes and shoves. Therefore, it is more suitable for clearing land, cratering and ditching, quarrying rock, etc. An explosive with a high detonating rate, such as c-4, tears and shatters. This makes it more suitable for breaching concrete, cutting steel or timber, and sometimes as a propellent in the case of the claymore mine. In order to select one type of explosive from several different types, first decide if the explosive must tear and shatter or push and shove, and the choose, by detonating velocity, the explosive that best fits the job. Detonating velocities are listed in FM b-2b and FM b-94. NOTE

Demonstrate the push of explosives and effect with a glass jar and hamrner,

COMMENT

NON.ELECTRIC F'IRING SYSTEM

H+ 20 to H+

50

the shattering

At this time I will begin the real ,.meat,' of the subject and that is the non-electric firing system. Before any explosive

can be detonated, it must first be equipped with some iort of device to produce detonation. The act of equipping the explosive with this device is called '3priming" and the finiJhed product is the "primer." Now, let,s look at the non-electric primer. A non-electric primer consists of (1) alengthof time fuze, (2) a nonelectric blasting cap, (3) a piece of explosive, and (4) any item necessary to join these components together as one unit. As you noticed, the means to ignite the time fuze is not a part of ttre primer. The attachment of a means of ignition of the time fuze constitutes the non-electric firing system. NOTE

POST A1 AT THIS TIME AND COVER THE FOLLOWING:

COMMENT

FUZE LIGHTERS The first component to be covered is the fuze lighters. The U.S. Army issues two types of fuze lighters, the M-2 anO ttre M-60, and both may be found in Viet-Nam. L. M-2 Fuze Lighter: This is the M-2 fuze lighter. It is of all-metal construction, To use, you must first remove and discard the rubber shipping plug and insert the time iiize. ou insertion of the time fuze, some resistance will be met, but firm pressure will overcome the initial resistance and the time fuze will move about another quarter-inch. The fuze is now fully seated. The weatherproofing compound is compressed around the time fuze to weatherproof, not wateiproof, the device. An expe-

dient means instruction.

of waterproofing will be discussed in subsequent

NOTE

PLACE CHART No. 1, J['{-2 FUZE LIGHTER, ON THE GTA STAND AND DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING:

COMMENT

The initial res.istance met is due to a set of metal grippers that prevent the time fuze and fuse lighter from separating. When ready to ignite the time fuze, pull vigorously on the release pin. This releases a spring-driven striker which detonates a "shot' gun type" primer. The spurt of flame produced by this primer ignites the time fuze. As apointof interest on the M-2 fuze lighter, the base may be unscrewed from the body and the metal grippers removed with a nail which will allow the base to accommodate a .22 caliber round. The base is reinstalled in the body, thus producing an excellent "zip-gun." This surprise weapon is a oneshot affair, and you must be close to the target to a.ffect a hit.

NOTE

PLACE CHART No 1A ON STAND AND EXPLAIN THE FOLLOWiNG: M-60

2. M-60 Fuze Ligher: The remaining fuze lighter is the model. It is of metal and plastic construction and contains

a safety wire. To use the device, loosen but do not remove the base collar. Push in on the plastic shipping plug, remove, and discard. Insert the time fuze till fully seated and tighten the base collar. When ready to ignite the time fuze, remove the safety wire, take up slack on the release pin, and pull vigorously on the release ring to fire. The function of the M-60 is very similar to the M-2. If the device fails to fire, push Jhe release pin in as far as possible and refire. NOTB

USE INERT TRAINING AID TO DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING:

COMMENT

An expedient method to waterproof the fuze lighter is to place it inside of a balloon and secure the balloon firmly around the time fuze with string. The balloon will easily stretch allowing the lighter to fire. When using this method with the M-60 lighter, remove the safety wire prior to placing it in the balloon. 3. Match Method: In the absence of the issued fuze lighters, time fuze may easily be ignited with a common match. To accomplish this, split the end of the time fuze about one-halL-inch--and insert the match allowing the head to p=otruda stigtrtty. To strike the ma*eh-draw the abrasive across the head of the match. Another method is to light a second match and light the match head in the ttme'4.rze, TIME FUZE

Time fuze is a train of black powder surrounded by several layers uf waterp{qQJing rnaterial. It lrtay be-any color; however, the U.S. Army i-ssues dutl orange or gieqn* in color with green except on the being predominant, It is completely watelproof ' open ends and once ignited, will burn underwater.

-

NOTE

DEMONSTRATE BURNING OF TIME FUZE UNDERWATER

COMMENT

rate of u.S. Army time fuze is 30 to 4b seconds ^ Rurning per foot. To properly use the time frrre, c.rt ofiano discard the first 6 inches. -This is a precaution in the event moisture has seeped into and- damaged the train of brack powoer. Next, sure and cut off a l-foot length of the fuze. ^(Due to the factmeathat anyone seldom has a ruler with them, the crimp"", u"" ,"LJ i" the.fully opened position as a standard unit of *""iu"u. crimpers in this position equal approximately 1 foot. rrre-measuring device doesn't matter as as you use the same device to time and ^10ng measure the time fuze.) This length of time fuze is ignited and the burning rate estabrished for that rol of time fuze.

NOTE

DEMONSTRATE THE ABOVE

COMMENT

By knowing tltg burning rate for one crimper rength, it is a simple problem to figure the number of crimper-Gngtrrs required for a speeific length oi time, This operation must be repeated (1) when a new rot of ^ time fuze is opened, (2) when the lime fuze has remained unused for a period lz hours or longer, and (3) any time there is an "t in weather sincJthu n.r"rrirrg;;r;; extreme change i;"";# lished.

NOTE

PLACE CHART No. 2, NON-BLECTRIC BLASTING CAP, oN GTA STAND

COMMENT

At this time I wilr demonstrate the ,,heart', of any charge is the blasting cap. Nomenc_lature is, -ap, blasti"g, ;p-u_ cial non-electric .(type 1) (Jl PETN). tte nonjeiectric speciar blasting cap consists.of a copper or aruminum shelr with a cavity provided to receive the time fuze. This eavitv-p"lc"o"s a frash charge. The flame transmitted by the burnrng"timl fuze strikes this Jlash 9h*gu, causing it to ignite, Heat pro-duc"o ny the burnand that

ing flash gha"ee causes detonati-on o! the p"il;G;;arge

which is very sensitive to shock, heat, and flame-. The"detonation primin-g charge is of sufficient strength to cause detonation of the base charge- This is a chain reacti"on_ttt"t io" urr practicalof the purposes is instantaneous. At this time, I want to impress you with two different points. First, this is an ordancu blasting cap and is far more powerful than the com*Lrcial "o"p"-"peciar caps that are used with the higruy sensitive commercial explosives. The cap is required to obtain po"iti"" i"tonation with ?qu:i{ blasting ALL.U.S. Army military ex}.'tosives. The *o"" powerfrf cap is required because of military explosives -being relatively "pu"fuf insensitive to shock. In subsequent insiruction u ii"Io expedient

qglhgd of using eommercial caps to detonatu riritu"y exprosives will be covered. The second item of importance is ihe sensitivity

,

of blasting caps. All blasting caps must be protected from f1ame, shock, friction, and unnecessary rough handling. Wooden cap boxes are provided for safe handling and transporting of non-electric caps once they are reilroved from the shipping can. The cap box we have here will hold a total of 10 blasting caps. Cap boxes are available for 10 caps and 50 camps. NOTE

PLACE CHART No. 3, M-2 CAP CRIMPERS ON GTA STAND

COMMENT

The next step that I will cover is crimping of a non-electric blasting cap to a length of time fuze. The purpose of crimping a non-electric blasting cap to a piece of time fuze is to provide contact between the black powder of the timefuze and the flash charge of the cap. This operation can be performed without crimping a blasting cap; however, it is the easiest method. This operation is one of the most important steps in preparing a non-electric primer. A tool designed for this operation is the M-2 cap erimpers. This device is manufactured from a non-sparking material but they do conduct electricity. One handle is a screwdriver blade and is used to remove the screws of the boxes of explosives and another which will be e:cplain is the "leapfrog" circuit. This circuit is wired by joining the until the last charge is reached,

lead wires of every other charge then returning through the circuit and splicing the remaining wires together. The big advantage in this circuit over the common series is that the leapfrog circuit conserves wire. NOTB COMMENT

\ .---...

Place chart No. 7, Western Union pigtail splice, on the GTA Stand and explain the following

Western Union "Pigtail" Splice: During the explanation of the two electric firing circuits, I have mentioned splicing on severaI different occasions. This is a very important point as only on?-,-type of splice is used. And it is the Western Uniorr tfuWa*{ sptice. Thig_ splice is made by removing the insu-1a1i6n from the --e;ds-oTtn-e-wire for a distance of about 3 to 4 inches. The ends of lhe exposed wire are brought together and twisted about them' setvds fhf-eE--o*--four times. The ends are then bent to 90 degrees times of the wire and Ti{fstc+q5out themselves three or four[ne again, Then the entire splicb-t*oenlessed together. -s orn:...----.--------.--.---is irig circuit is to be in plice for any-exten"'" y."i rocr of time protectgd s!tice-rplain each component.

COMMENT

*tr"rt5J;r:"

r wilt return to each item

it in a 1. Mine, anti;ner19nnel, MlgAl: The mine tangular box of plasti'c. TG;;;;;;sidecontai", is a curved rec_ trr- 200 sphericar steel balls and the eoncave side contains c-a *ni"r, is the properlent' The weapon is a dull g"uu'ii;;; material for camcuflage. Tw1.scjss91+ypu "orrurJir-iih i"gs are provided. Two priming wells are located- on the" i;t-;ith. the sight resting between. 2. Detonator as,sembry: 'irru o"tonator rittre

mor

e

an

and explain

assemhlrr ie nnl',.-_

u''#:,i,ll"3i#;.?F:i:3l l##=ffi " " on the other. rr,Joust cover is ;Trjlr,:1"^,::0",T: a shorting prug also. isfiq"v.er rhis acts i.'tr'"'J*; th

10

0 r"_"-1.i i'1

i

i^iu

i

of an electric blasting cap. D_evlce,^

ffi;#;$lij ffiffi:

M-bZ:

This is a one hand operated im9: lllits o{l top is purse -..,^^ generator. an actuator rranoG;-t"lt rear and be_ is the ri"i;;'d;iti" produce nX":TJr"juator

";*"tt;i.*tr,i"

18

*'r

and

4, M-40 Test Set: The test set consists of a transformer a small indicator lamp. A window is provided to view the

lamp. NOTE

Use charts to explain the following effects of the M18A1 and M18; cover safety factors also,

COMMENT

Before we can successfully employ the weapon, we must understand the effects of the mine, When fired, the M18A1 projects the 700 steel fragments forward in afan-shaped, beaten zone, 2-meters high and 50-meters wide at adistanceof S0-meters. This area is known as the killing zone. Within this area any of the steel fragments are capable of penetrating the U.S. Army armored vest. It is moderately effective to a range of 250-meters. The latter area covers an arc 90 degrees to the right and left of the center of the killing zone. Safety Factor: This weapon has a danger area to the rear. This danger area exists from the concussion of the C-4 filler used to propel the fragments and missiles that are picked up by this concussion. This fact must be fully understood in order to safely employ the weapon.

NOTE

Use chart and give safety factors as follows:

COMMENT

section of the danger area is a 180 degree semia radius of 16-meters. A11 friendly personnel are prohibited in this area when the mine is detonated. The other section has a radius of lO0-meters. A11 friendly troops within 1O0-meters must take cover when the weapon is detonated.

NOTE

Use chart M-18 to demonstrate the following:

COMMENT

The M18 is less effective than the M18A1. The killing zone of the M18 is 2-meters high, 3O-meters wide at a distance of 30meters. It is moderately effective to a range of 4O-meters. It

The

circle with

first

can be dangerous to a range of 205-meters.

From a distance of 0 to 8-meters to the rear and sides all personnel are prohibited. Everyone from 8 to 42-meters must take cover, Between the range of 42-100-meters exposed personnel need only to shield their face. Employment of the claymore is placed in two -brclad riercts;-:----'As a controlled weapon and the role of an uncontrolled mine. The rdle-as.a controlled weapon will be discussed first. r-Eep-une- killing ione and danger areas in mind when seiecof dQ[q4ation. Once the location has been chosen, ting the point remove the -mind from--un-c Qolier and spread the legs. Bury the le$s'ab6-ut hatfvray-in the groti dface the weapon toward tllecreoireil field of fire. The front of the5 weapon \r/oqnrrn may rnqrr be tre deterrn deterrntfi5d one of three ways: , _L. Letters on the face read "fro-Iu-towaid enemy..," 2. The front is convex which is help{ril at night. 3, An arrow located on each top cornir. Start in front of the weapon and pace off a dist6idoef 50-meters for-the MISA1 and 30-meters for the M18. At this point drfuze a stake .l-meter high into the ground. Return to the we-apon and with

19

the eye about 6-inches from the_-sight, lay the cross hairs of the sight on the aiming stake. ir,u "rr""ti;;r ;;; hair must pass through the center or-tne stake *itr, trr" rro"irorrt"r cross hair rest_ ing on top of the stake. ceuirom: The sight of the M1BA' con_ tains two crear plastic faces ano eactr r"""ii"" u hair. These must ne srrperi*Ogg"O so_-they ;pp"""separate cross as one object at alt times during-aiming ope;ation, rir";p; is now sighted. lhe Insure ,lu_, p_fug and dust corrJ" ot the detonator ".lolti"g assembry are instarted ai uit ti-ur. Remove either priming werl plug and insert tl? bl.Tr.i"g rn.ert the eruci"ic cap in the we' and the wires in the ,,V,, ;tit "up.-it trr" p"i.irg*"iip-rrg, thread, and tighten the plug- Tie the firing wire. to some object to prevent the wire from being puted oi"iu"bing the r"v weapon. Re_ check aim and "to f,uy,tfr" ii"irrg#i"""'i*r" to tt" _cam^o{fpe, operator,s position. Insure safety niit i" in ttru p%"itiJ' join firing tt *r, wire to the firing device, The weapon"Ju is ready for use. At any time a^.continuity is o""i"to, uither during initiar employment or_afterwaror, titest is accompiiril"J'in manner' Remove firing device f10m the firingwire the following ano reinstarl shorting plug of the firiig wi"e. bonnect tu"i firing device. The dust cover on the "test set "-ui'io observe be instJrei. window and onerate the handle. must A brief na"r, ot'right shourd the be visible in the *inao*. attacii trre firingwire to the test set and re_ peat the operation. The weapon will-not oetonate as tong as the test set is instailed in the el u"v=fi*uJie ftash fails to appear, use the process of "ii"rit. eriminatio" 6v either the firing device or teit settor*ututr,"i*ur'"q"ri#""i. "uprultrrg A continuity be made perioorca'v-u"o urt"" nl:*i^""irs or bombardonce the test,has been completed, Temove the test set from the circuit and tF _"r.*e""ure the safety I;;;_installation. bail is in the safe1enla.9: _q"yj6:. position before Th". weapon may be fired non_electricallv ats a non'erectric -ii,:t,:t$Tts bap to rengthor'ietonating prime the weanon. Lay the ietonaiing "."i. a position near co"o"nacrolo the operator. Here another ,r-r pu'-type iJ crimpJ-i.""i firing device and then tapeol ""n iil5 r""u The firing device is atLched to some"il-of t;; iiior"r'g cord. steady object. A wire or stout string is tt^"9 p trre puii rinq run to the operator,s posiyo tion. To fire the we.1go1 only a strong pull of the wire. The firing device w'i oetonate-ire "u!.ri"u" weapon to fire. It is recommended$gtonatinf iio causing the electric and non-erectric. irr"-"i"v-oreirr"i-irr""*"lpon be primed atso b-e dual primed electrically by using the commil'seriesmay ,,l""pirog' o" system. Also, several cravmores may be ri""i-"i*.,ii"";',is#

liilrf"'

;

by using one

of these systems.

20

NOTE

Use charts and Demonstrate how weapon is employed in a clefense and in an ambush-type role.

COMMENT

The claymore is an excellent weapon for an ambush-type role. On this chart we see one claymore placed in a curve of a jungle trail. When the enemy is within the killing zone, the weapon is detonated. Another version is two claymores placed on opposite sides of a trail or road. The long axis of the killing zone runs parallel to the trail. The mines are wired separately and when the enemy approaches one of the weapons detonated. The other is saved in the event that the group fired on was only a lead element or they apply immediate action and attack. At this time the second weapon is fired, causing several more changes to the Viet Cong morning report. Due to the fact that this weapon is a one-shot directionaltype weapon, fire discipline assumes a pararnount importance. Control of the weapon must always be in the hands of a competent individual.

NOTE COMMENT

Use chart to show proper time of detonation when a group is approaching abreast, in file, or in a group. The claymore may be used in a defensive role as protection

to hamLets or units in camp. Employment to reinforce wire entanglements and to cover dead spaces is extremely worthwhile. When the weapon is emplaced in this manner as a booby-trap, it is wired with the same device as was used to fire the weapon nonelectrically except the pull wire of the firing device becomes a trip wire.

NOTE

Use chart to demonstrate two methods of employing the claymore as a booby-trap or land mine.

COMMENT

Any time the weapon is employed in theuncontrolled role as a land mine, it must be marked, located, and reported the same as any mine field.

NOTE

Using GTA, explain mass employment of the claymore,

COL{-\,{IJNT

To obtain maximum coverage of alargefront, thg claymores when placed on line wit'le a separat+ela--ekt--\ --!gelprs. The weapons that are placed in depth must be separate by a *rsrallcE-vf-tha backblast area, This is 8-meters for the M18 and 16-meters for 1841. Also, the front row of weapons must be fired first. It-m-ay\.desirable to provide means to detonaJb'+large segment of the I easily with a cornmon series or ain detonating cord firing system.

are more effective

2l

COMMENT

Gentlemen, as you see, the claymore is a very effective and versatile weapon. The employment of the claymore can be a deciding factor in this very simple war. Our advice to these people may have direct influence on its employment. Are there any questions?

ARVN Mine Poliey: As preparatory background the mine policy of ARVN will be discussed at this time. When a mine field is desired, the company commander draws up a request showing the desired location of the mine field. The request is forwarded to the district headquarters, The district chief inspects the location of the mine field to insure that it will not endanger cattle, wells, or the farming area, etc. After this inspection, the request is sent forward to the province chief. In the event the district chief is not a military officer, his aide who is an officer will handle the requests. The province chief must approve the requests. Then the engineers install the mine field. The engineers perform all work involving the actual mines, but the occupying unit must maintain all the fences, markers, etc. Are there any questions

?

Munroe Theory: While observing the demonstrations this afternoon, you shall hear mention of the '.MunroeTheory" several times in reference to the mechanics of several charges. At this time I will explain the theory and how this theory led to the invention of the shape eharge. A chemist by the narne of Munroe used three theories to develop these charges: 1. A force will cancel or repel an exact opposite force. 2. Force takes the path of least resistance. 3. The shock waves leave a detonating e: