What does it take to safely navigate through a minefield? It requires a unique and powerful vehicle, combining the qualities of a tank and a bulldozer, along with a rocket attached to a cord of explosives. This cord is detonated, which in turn triggers the mines and clears the path for soldiers.
In Fort Carson, Colorado, Lt. Col. Latoya Manzey’s engineer battalion is undergoing rigorous training to clear a wide path for a column of tanks to advance and attack enemy lines. “Breach is probably one of the toughest things that we do,” she said.
The lane they aim to clear is just as wide as an M-1 tank, leaving little margin for the tank to pass through, according to Martin.
“No, it does not,” Manzey replied.
The same equipment and tactics used by these troops have been provided to Ukraine to overcome the industrial-strength minefields laid by Russia.
Mike Newton, who works with the HALO Trust, describes these minefields as “industrial” because they have been deliberately designed to deny large portions of Ukrainian land. The HALO Trust has already started clearing the minefields left by the Russians when they retreated from previously occupied territory. Newton explains that many of the minefields consist of hundreds, if not thousands, of anti-vehicle mines.
When spread across the entire front in eastern and southern Ukraine, the numbers become staggering. Retired Gen. Ben Hodges estimates that there are millions of land mines spread across over a thousand kilometers, with a high density and depth.
Hodges emphasizes the importance of breaching these minefields for the success of the Ukrainian counter-offensive. Until the minefields are cleared, it is nearly impossible to breakthrough Russian defenses and fulfill the ultimate objective of isolating and destroying Russian forces.
However, breaching minefields is an extremely dangerous task as it exposes soldiers to great risks. At Fort Carson, the training begins with suppressive fire to keep the enemy’s heads down, followed by the use of smoke to conceal the next actions. The armored breaching vehicle, protected by two Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, advances towards the minefield. Time is of the essence.
Sgt. Jasmine Luna, commanding the vehicle, launches a rocket attached to a 175-yard-long cord packed with explosives. The rocket carries the cord over the minefield, and Luna detonates it, triggering the mines. She then plows through the minefield, making sure no mines have been missed.
Soldiers quickly move behind her to mark the boundaries of the cleared path. In this exercise, they managed to open a single lane that is 100 yards long.
Martin asks Luna about encountering minefields that are longer than 100 yards.
“You’ll shoot again,” Luna confidently replied.
While rockets and detonating cords are already being used in Ukraine’s frontline battles, the path to victory remains blocked by Russian mines.
For more information:
– Story produced by Mary Walsh and Amol Mhatre. Editor: Lauren Barnello.
See also:
– The Switchblade “kamikaze” drone video.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
