During the current fiscal year which began on October first, the US Army began fielding a new weapons system known as the family of scatterable mines (FASCAM). This represents yet another step in the Defense Depart ment's ongoing program to strengthen and enhance the Army's mine-laying capacity.

The introduction of FASCAM into the Army's weapons inventory is having two very profound effects. First, the field artillery, specifically the 155mm batteries, will be thrust into the mine-laying business - once the sole do main of the Corps of Engineers. Second, the field commanders in the individual companies, battalions, and brigades will enjoy a new flexibility in utilizing mines. This article will discuss the new FASCAM system, explore the tactical uses of artillery scatterable mines, and expand on the mine rules in Tacforce.

Characteristics

Because of the many differences between artillery scatterable mines (SMs) and conventional mines, a closer look at the FASCAM system is desireable. There are two types of artillery scatterable mines: the M692/M731 Area Denial Artillery Munitions (ADAM) and the M718/M741 Remotely Activated Antitank Mine (RAAM). The characteristics of each are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1: Characteristics
Designation	M692/M731	M718/M741
type	Antipersonnel (AP)	Antitank (AT)
size	155mm	155mm
range	2-18 km	2-18 km
mines per projectile	36	9
weight	1 lb	5 lbs
size of standard minefield	350 meters diameter	350 meters diameter
number of projectiles per field	2	16

Both types of SMs have self-destruct capabilities which can either be short or long duration. The self-destruct timers are factory-set at the time of manufacture and can not be altered in the field. (The exact destruct times are classified.) A percentage of each has an anti-disturbance feature designed to hinder manual breaching.

Both types of projectiles are fired from 155mm howitzers (self propelled or towed). Registration is performed by using the dual-purpose improved conventional munitions (DPICM), and fire direction procedures are similar to those used for DP-ICM. The antipersonnel (AP) mines arm themselves within a few seconds of hitting the ground, where trip lines are deployed in a circular pattern. When disturbed, they eject the mine into the air, causing it to explode. The antitank (AT) mine contains a magnetic influence fuse and is capable of penetrating most parts of any Soviet tank.

Tactical Considerations

The authority to employ scatterable mines varies. Because of the self-destruct feature of the FASCAM mines the traditional chain-of-command authorization system (which was often cumbersome and slow) has been modified. In general, the short self-destruct time mines can be authorized by lower command units (battalions and brigades) while the long self-destruct time mines require authorizatuon from brigades or divisions. Once authorized, a 155mm battery can emplace a minefield in a matter of minutes. The standard size for a minefield (regardless of type) is 350 meters in diameter. Because of the dispersal patterns of the projectiles, this appears to be the smallest size possible. Of course, larger fields are possible by adjusting the fire - their length would be multiples of 350 meters.

Artillery scatterable mines, because of their speed of delivery and lethality, are suited to a wide range of tasks. During offensive operations SMs can be used to provide flank security, obstruct counter-attacks, and/or block the enemy's escape routes. During defensive operations, SMs can be used to reinforce conventional obstacles, channelize advancing enemy forces, or strengthen defensive positions. One of the most advantageous uses of SMs is to enhance AT weapons effectiveness. Some war games show that SMs can increase the kill probability of AT weapons by as much as eight times by keeping the target in the optimum killing range as long as possible. A recent test using the Division War Game Model in an European scenario showed that an American force augmented with FASCAM delayed Warsaw Pact forces six hours more than in a similar game without FASCAM.

The new FASCAM system is now being fielded. This will result in a change in the basic battery load. At the time of writing, the author has not seen a revised TOE (basic load) incorporating these new projectiles. However, a basic battery load used recently in an Army war game (see Table 2) should serve as a useful guide.

Table 2: Basic Battery Load
round	number	round	number
HE	156	RAP	108
CLGP	42	Smoke	12
ICM:		FASCAM:
AP	54	AT	96
DIP	570	AP	12

FASCAM and Tacforce

Listed below are several modifications and additions to the Tacforce rules regarding artillery scatterable mines. These changes are needed in order to incorporate FASCAM into the game.

1. FASCAM mines can only be emplaced by 155mm howitzer batteries following registry using DPICM. All rules in Part III regarding indirect fire remain unchanged.

2. The minefield is considered armed at the beginning of the Soviet movement phase in the turn following the delivery of the last projectile completing a standard minefield (2 AP or 16 AT projectiles).

3. The size and shape of the standard minefield is a circle 7" in diameter.

4. Mines may be mixed - that is, both AT and AP mines may be emplaced in the same area. However, to be effective the minimum number of each type must be delivered (see 2 above).

5. Upon approaching the edge of a FASCAM minefield, any hostile unit has an 80% chance of discovering it.

6. The removal rule 0V-D-1C) remains unchanged.

7. To Rule IV-D-1D, regarding mine effects, the following should be added: An AT mine attack on soft or wheeled vehicles is resolved with an attack value of 14.

Conclusion

With the advent of artillery scatterable mines, the American field commander has at his disposal a lethal and rapidly deployable weapon. The flexibility and ease of delivery allows SMs to be used in a wide range of tactical situations. To be most effective, however, SMs should be used in conjunction with other AT and AP weapons. It is my hope that the information in this article will encourage the use of FASCAMs in Tacforce scenarios.