An Analysis of Scatterable Mine Doctrine

This study summarizes the capabilities, strengths, and limitations of scatterable mine systems; analyzes the doctrine concerning scatterable mine battlefield employment, command, and control; establishes some proposed guidelines for the employment of scatterable mines in support of a main battle area defense against a Soviet/Warsaw Pact attack into Western Europe; and provides some broad conclusions on the integration of scatterable mines onto the modern battlefield. Scatterable mines offer the Army and Air Force a powerful means to counter the battlefield mobility of any potential armored or mechanized enemy. However, the maneuver doctrine described in the Airland Battle concept reinforces the requirement to preserve the full freedom of movement for friendly forces. A balance must be struck between these two competing demands. That balance can be attained by viewing scatterable mines as several distinct munitions, which are emplaced by different delivery systems and have unique strengths and weakness.