text: ________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 10
  EXPLOSIVE OBSTACLES
  10-37. The widespread use of landmines on today’s battlefields results from a
  combination of mass production, plastic mines, improved battlefield delivery
  systems, and development of sophisticated fuzing. Remotely-delivered mines
  have expanded capability for changing the tempo of combat.
  Minefields
  10-38. The five basic types of OPFOR minefields are antitank (AT), anti-
  personnel (AP), mixed, decoy, and antilanding. AT minefields are the
  primary type of OPFOR engineer obstacle and serve to destroy or disable
  armored and other vehicles. They are primarily established in belts consist-
  ing of multiple rows on avenues that are favorable for armored vehicles.
  Wherever possible, minefield belts will be tied into natural terrain obstacles
  to reduce the mine requirement. The OPFOR sets up conventional AP mine-
  fields in support of friendly battle positions, in front of AT minefields, or
  along dismounted avenues of approach. Mixed minefields consist of both AP
  and AT mines. Decoy minefields are a significant form of deception used to
  slow movement or deceive as to true unit locations. Antilanding minefields
  prevent landings by amphibious, airborne, or heliborne assault forces.
  Minelaying
  10-39. The methods and extent of minelaying depend on
  • The OPFOR’s intentions.
  • The operational and/or tactical situation.
  • Terrain characteristics.
  • The type of mine.
  • Time available.
  • Available engineer support.
  10-40. Emplacement means may be manual, mechanical, or remote. Manual
  emplacement is the most labor-intensive and time-consuming method and
  may not always be possible in a fluid battlespace. The OPFOR not only will
  use mechanical minelayers, but also will continue to develop methods of
  remote minelaying, including delivery by minelaying helicopters, fixed-wing
  aircraft, or cannon and rocket artillery. Rapidly laid and scatterable AT mines in
  support of maneuver operations will predominate on most battlefields. The
  same types of minefield may also support a situational defense. If the OPFOR
  plans only a temporary halt or defensive action, it can mechanically surface-
  lay small protective minefields. It may also use remotely-laid minefields
  (probably with self-destruct options) and controlled minefields.
  Remotely-Delivered Mines
  10-41. The ability to remotely deliver mines provides the OPFOR with the
  capability to respond rapidly with thousands of landmines at any point on the
  battlefield. The OPFOR can employ remotely-delivered minefields against
  choke points to delay and cause bunching that could create vulnerability to
  air or artillery attack. Remotely-delivered minefields fill gaps created by enemy