A GUIDE TO MINES AND BOOBY TRAPS
SECTION 1
THE ENEMY
INTRODUCTION
1. Mines and booby traps are a traditional facet of war and are perhaps
the most feared of weapons. In VIETNAM the Viet Cong and NVA are well aware
of this and use these weapons as a major part of their armory The
important factor is that they have produced a completely new and
unconventional set of tactics for mine warfare. Australian troops must be
prepared for and able to counter these guerrilla tactics.
THE ENEMY’S DOCTRINE
2. As far as the Enemy is concerned the conventional principle of fenced
and marked minefields is not valid. He will very seldom use a fence to
indicate an area he Las mined or booby trapped.
3. This does not mean that he is unaware of the value of mining. On the
contrary his use of Anti Personnel and Anti-Vehicle minir4g is extremely
professional and calculated to create casualties fear and slow down our
operational movement without exposing himself to contact with friendly
troops.
4. The enemy will use mines and booby traps to protect his campsites
base areas and caches intelligently and frequently, In addition he will
place these in and around areas in which Australian troops are likely to
move and to work,
5. Practical experience has shown that most mines laid by the Enemy in
Phuoc Tuy Province, have been laid by Village Guerrillas and District
Companies rather than by main force units, It is important to note that
although the enemy does not believe in fenced minefields he will almost
always mark his mines in some way.
6. The enemy is well trained in the laying and concealment of mines and
booby traps, and uses the basic doctrine
EACH GROUP MUST BE COMBRISED OF TWO OR MORE MINES”
(Extract from captured mine training pamphlet)
Therefore where one mine is found, there are usually more nearby. This is
of critical importance to Australian Troops, and to the tactics we employ
when a mine incident occurs. See Annex C for an example of a VC minefield
found in Phuoc Tuy Province.
7. The enemy is adept at using mines as a terrorist_ weapon. Experience
gained in recent operations in Phuoc Tuy Province has shown that the enemy
will place mines inside actually occupied local villages. This has occurred
in DAT DO, PHUOC LOI and LO GOM in each of which Australian casualties were
suffered, although the villagers were still present, The enemy’s training
pamphlet stresses the need for villagers to know the location of the mines
the enemy sets. Australian troops cannot count on the villagers to inform
us of their presence. Even inside villages the enemy will NOT lay mines
indiscriminately,
8, The enemy prepared and maintains mine maps in order to avoid
accidental casualties to himself, These mine maps are high priority
documents if captured and must IMMEDIATELY be passed to responsible
authority. Good information on enemy mines can also be gained from HOI
CHANH (returnees) and CHIEU HOI (surrendered enemy), as well as the local
population and Sops and Civil Affairs teams. This information should be
treated with caution and confirmation should be sought where ever possible.
9. The enemy will rarely engage Australian troops involved in a mine
incident, His doctrine does NOT appear to include the use of mines to
initiate a fire fight or ambush,
10. Although not an enemy tactic attention must be drawn to the fact that
local ARVN RF and PF posts are almost always surrounded by mines and booby
traps. Unfortunately, the language barrier makes these posts a definite
mine and booby-trap hazard to Australian troops. The areas surrounding
these posts must be considered suspect, Do not disturb barbed wire or move
off obvious tracks in the close vicinity of any of these posts. Before
operating near, or entering any Vietnamese installation, it is essential
for Australian elements to carry out a detailed recce and establish firm
liaison with the local VIETNAMESE commander. This will be a positive step
in reducing the risks which exist in close proximity to any VIETNAMESE
defensive post,
11. Finally in dealing with enemy mine doctrine it is essential to
remember that the enemy is ingenious and versatile in the use of almost any
captured or recovered Allied mines or explosive devices. He is also
completely capable of local manufacture of expedient mines and booby traps.
All he needs is basic materials and any type of available explosive and
he will produce weapons which will be able to kill effectively. Examples
of the expedients commonly encountered in Phuoc Tuy Province are
a. Use of unexploded US Cluster Bomblets as anti personnel and anti vehicle
mines.
b. Use of slabs of melted down TNT in conjunction with torch
batteries and bamboo detonation switches to form an extremely
effective Anti Armour Mine.
c. Use of allied grenades to form the basis of booby traps
designed around trip wires,
d. Use of Chicom RPG's as anti vehicular mines*
e. Use of recovered small arms ammunition to produce foot
breaker_ mines.
f. Use of blind_ Allied artillery rounds as anti
vehicular mines.
g. Turning around of Claymore mines in darkness around defensive
perimeters to cause self inflicted_ casualties to allied troops.
12* All of these expedient mines and booby traps are well conc6ived
and require properly trained Sapper of Assault Pioneer teams to neutralise
or destroy them. Inexpert troops MUST not attempt to neutralise mines and
booby traps,
TYPICAL ENEMY SITING AREAS
13. It is evident from practical experience and captured documents
that the enemy makes a study of Australian troop habits before siting mines
or booby traps.
14. He will carefully site mines where they will cause maximum
casualties to the unwary, Typical sites for Anti-Personnel mines are;
a. Along and on either side of known and defined paths such as
tracks, roads, streams etc,
b. Near and around shade trees where troops are likely to gather
to rest.
C. Around and in road blocks
d. In or on the edge of craters after an air strike or road denial
task.
e. Under stones sticks etc, lying on paths or tracks.
f. In likely or known ambush and harbour sites.
g. Behind likely fire positions that allied troops may use in a
cordon,
.h.. In and around fire positions that he has used very recently to
harass allied troops.
i, Around the fringes of clearings, particularly likely LZ’s where
friendly troops will normally disperse as helicopter insertion
drill.
J, In and around Engineer Worksites.
k. On approaches to his own base camps and caches. (It is
important to note that a mine found in an unusual or unpopulated
area will usually have something worthwhile nearby),
1. Almost anywhere near heavily populated areas where Australian
troops will obviously be frequently present.
Typical sites for Anti Vehicular Mines are ;
a. Narrow tracks and defiles i.e. wheel rut tracks, land cleared
trails, new road works, fords, (It is far more common in Phuoc Tuy
Province to encounter nuisance set electrical and pressure mines
than to encounter command detonated mines)
b. Around diversions (b own culverts) and road blocks.
c. In commonly used APC and Tank routes, i.e. high ground in wet and
inundated countryside, and at bends in tracks.
d* Puddles in roads*
e. Patchwork repairs on, roads,
Note Where the enemy sets anti vehicular mines he may commonly
also set anti personnel mines nearby to cause casualties to
evacuating personnel and repair/recovery crews. This tactic is of
prime importance in our counter measure drills and training
MARKERS
15. As has already been written, the enemy$ although he does NOT use a
set pattern of mining, will almost always mark Us mines in some way.
16. To do this he uses a variety of mine markers
17. It must be realised that the enemy has NO set doctrines on
markings, and usually ensures that the local markings are passed to
transient units by word of mouth.
18. All Australian troops MUST learn to recognise these markers and
always be on the alert for the unusual or unnatural, a pair of sharp eyes
are perhaps the best defence against the enemy’s mine tactics.
OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS
19. The enemy will sometimes attempt to draw our troops into mined
areas by offering the chance of physical contact. He will engage Australian
troops by fire from a specific direction and withdraw so that follow up
Australian elements move into mined areas, All Australian troops must be
careful NOT to be decoyed into mine incidents. When working in mine suspect
areas, tactical commanders must bear this in mind when making their
appreciations.
20* Whether on foot or mounted it is paramount to avoid using the same
track or path on more than one occasion. Developing the habit of using the
same route tire after time is inviting enemy mine action. This applies
particularly to Armoured movement on Fire Trails, and to foot patrolling,
especially clearing patrols.
210 This section has dealt with all of the basic doctrine which has
been used and noted by experience in Phuoc Tuy Province. Remember however
that we are opposed to a versatile and trained enemy and that new tactics
are to be expected and must be guarded against. The keynote to this is for
all Australian Troops to develop a high degree of mine caution and within
the framework of out tactics retain the highest degree of flexibility in
dealing with enemy mining and booby trapping.
A GUIDE TO MINES AND BOOBY TRAPS
SECTION 2
COUNTER MEASURES
INTRODUCTION
1. As has been made clear in the previous Section, the
conventional aspects of counter mine warfare are no longer sufficient for
the VIETNAM conflict. This section will outline the current doctrine in use
to counter the enemy mine threat.
TRAINING
2. The most important counter measure is a constant and high degree
of anti mine training, both refresher and rehearsal. Constant revision is
essential for without this, initial mine warfare training will be valueless.
3. Reference to this booklet will keep the mind active on this
subject, and gives all Australian troops a ready insight into the problems
faced. Refresher training and rehearsals on a 100% basis must be carried out
prior to operations in likely or known mine prevalent areas. Every soldier
of all ranks involved on operations risks the danger of mines and so all
ranks of all Corps so involved must undergo this refresher training,
4. In-theatre training for individual replacements (arms) and
infantry units is carried out by the Sappers of 1 Field Squadron. This
service and advice is available to ALL units;
So consult the SAPPERS.this is part of their game?use them,
5. Prior to operations in suspect areas, units should request
additional training including practical training prior to the operation
commencing. 1 Field Squadron is available to provide refresher training,
PHYSICAL PROTECTION
6. If a mine incident occurs there are a number of ways in which
casualties can be minimized or negated;
a. Dispersion The natural tendency to all troops is to bunch up.
This is wrong; troops must be drilled to keep the maximum possible
dispersion that is allowed by the tactical situation,
b. Wear flak jackets and steel helmet, when in a mine prevalent
area. A little discomfort from these is far preferable to serious
wounds due to failure to use protection.
c. Sandbag the floors of vehicles to absorb blast and shrapnel
from anti vehicle mines. Also where possible arm the vehicles
with steel belly plating for the same reason*
d. Be alert look for the unnatural;
is available. Ride inside these armoured vehicles, not on top of them.
ACTION ON SUSPICION
7. Should something arouse suspicion the Commander of the element?
should immediately be informed, he will recce the area in company with
Sapper or Pioneer Commander. In mine prevalent areas Sappers and/or
Pioneers will always be readily available in the form of a Mini or Splinter
team. A brief
description of these teams is;
a. Splinter Team A team of two Sappers or Pioneers who are NEVER
separated. One is known as a No 1 and is the more experienced of
the pair, the other is his No 2. These men are equipped to travel
with Infantry on foot, and have an amount of explosives,
detonating cord detonators and fuse, they also carry other
ancillary gear for Engineer tasks i.e., Tunnel search torch and
pistol, grappling hooks long and short safety pins and most
importantly they carry in their heads a very, large knowledge of
all likely mines and booby traps,
b. Mini Team The same team of two Sappers (Pioneers are not
normally used in this role though they may be in an emergency) who
are additionally equipped with a flak jacket, and helmet each, and a
mine detector. This, type of team is designed to move mounted with
Armoured elements or in a deliberate breach of a known mine area.
Either of these two types of team may carry extra equipment
depending on the threat expected.
c. Combat Engineer Team For larger operations involving mines, or
when there is a heavy mine danger, a Combat Engineer Team may be
available, or moving with the Infantry elements. This team is
basically 3 Splinter or Mini Teams commanded by a Corporal or
Lance Corporal. A total of 7 men
8. If for some reason these teams are NOT present when a suspect area
is found, the Commander on the spot will decide what to do. Unless-he is
convinced that the suspicion is unfounded, he should always seek immediate
Sapper advice and support.
9. 1 Field Squadron have up to date mine incident maps showing all
previous mine incidents and suspect mine areas. Each Sapper team will have
at least one copy of these maps. Copies may be taken from these maps on
request to OC 1.Fd Sqn at any time. Commanders at lower levels who do not
possess these maps must consult their engineer advisors in regard to
contents of these maps.
Amendment to Mine Warfare
Booklet revised 3 Sept 69
ACTION ON A MINE INCIDENT
10. When a mine incident occurs, a mine incident being
anything that confirms the presence of mines, the following
actions should take place;
a. Nobody in the area moves unless directed. Movement in the area
can only be made in marked safe lanes and areas.
b. The senior Engineer or Assault Pioneer in the area directs all
clearance activities through the Commander who retains overall
control.
c. The two man Mini or Splinter team clears and marks a safe lane
to any casualties using a Mine Detector if available or by
prodding with a bayonet. Assuming a detector is available the
process is as follows;
1. One member moves forward sweeping the detector to clear a
path of 4 feet width. He is wearing a head phone set, carries
a pistol and is blind to any outside occurrences*
2. The other member follows at a distance of about 2 yards. He
carries both weapons and is responsible for clearly marking
the safe lane with mine marking tape or cord. (If neither are
available, he can mark with tree branches, rifle slings
weapons or scratch the ground surface but the marking must be
obvious and not able to be obliterated by rain).
3. The infantry protection element must provide protection for
the team while maintaining a safe distance of at least 10
yards, They must not lose sight of the team*
4. Where there is a weak confused signal on the detector the
two members will continue to work as a team to investigate the
cause of the reading. When there is a strong positive reading
No 1 will then take action to investigate, mark or dispose of
the mine. No 2 will withdraw to a safe distance. The decision
of how best to dispose of the mine i.e. pull or blow is made
by the No l. The decision on when to do so is the commanders.
d. Once all clearances have been effected, First Aid will be
applied prior to Dust Off.
e. If a known safe area is not readily available an area for
litter extraction will be prepared by the Engineer Team, and will
similarly be clearly marked by well secured tapes to avoid the
Dust Off helicopter moving the markers with its blade wash.
f. If the clearance develops into a lengthy operation the No 1
and No 2 will switch positions as required to combat fatigue, but
again within the limitation of experience.
g. The non casualties in the area will NOT move but will wait
until the clearance party has cleared a safe lane to them. It is
stressed that NO movement will occur even to assist casualties
crying for aid UNTIL clearance is complete, as any movement may
create more casualties. A tragedy can easily be transformed into a
disaster by foolish movement - ALBEIT WELL MEANING
h. The Commander will then make an assessment in conjunction with
his Engineer advisor at to the next action, Often a deliberate
breach clearance may be, required to either continue his aim or
evacuate the areas
11. The following points are emphasized;
a. Extremely firm control by the Commander is essential.
b. No movement unless directed.
c. Minimum No of people.engaged in clearance operations*
d. Everyone must be aware of methods of marking safe lanes.
e. No one steps outside a cleared area.
f, All involved MUST remain calm, despite casualties needing
urgent attention, priority MUST be given to clearing safe lanes
first to avoid further casualties,
APPLICATION TO ANTI VEHICLE MINES
12. With minor variations the same procedure as above will also apply
to a mine incident involving a B vehicle or APC or Tank.
13, To summarise, all soldiers should know and understand these key
words;
KNOW THE ENEMY’S MINE HABITS
KNOW WHERE HE LAYS MINES
KNOW THE MARKINGS USED
WHERE THERE IS ONE MINE THERE ARE MORE
LOOK FOR THE UNNATURAL
CHECK THE MINE INCIDENT MAP
REVISE, REFRESH AND REHEARSE
ACTION ON A MINE INCIDENT
AVOID RECULAR HABITS
KNOWLEDGE OVERCOMES FEAR
SEEK OUT SAPPERS