A land mine is a concealed explosive charge, placed in an area where it can be detonated by contact with enemy personnel or vehicles. Detonation can be initiated by pressure, pull, or electrical action. The mechanism of a pressure mine is shown in figure 12-12. The mine is buried with the fuze pressure plate just above the ground surface and detonates when the plate is pressed down.

Figure 12-13.-The M18A1 antipersonnel mine (Claymore).

A pull-action mine is one that is detonated by the pull on a trip wire, stretched where enemy personnel or vehicles may contact it. A pull-action mine is usually a pressure mine. Whether it is used as a pull-action or pressure mine depends on whether or not the ground surface makes the concealment of a trip wire possible. For pressure installation, bury the mine with the top of the fuze flush with the ground surface and only the prongs protruding above it. Install the trip wire with the top cap of the fuze and the prongs protruding above the surface. Run trip wires from the fuze cap to stakes or other anchorages, in feasible directions.

An electrical-action mine can be exploded by a remote-control firing device of the type used for blasting in construction.

Except for the M18A1 antipersonnel mine described below, mines are NOT authorized for use by the Naval Construction Force (NCF). Personnel who encounter other types of mines should not attempt to disarm or use them or handle them in any manner. When located in the field, you should mark the mines clearly and furnish their locations to the battalion security officer or authorized ordnance disposal personnel.