SUBCOURSE CM7112

EDITION B

SMOKE POTS

Smoke Pots Subcourse Number CM 7112 EDITION B United States Army Chemical School Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri 65473-8926 Six Credit Hours Subcourse Overview This subcourse is designed to teach the purpose of smoke screen operations and the various types of smoke pots that are used at the company level. The student will also learn what effect weather and terrain have on smoke screens, smoke pots spacing requirements, and the technique used for emplacing smoke pots. The procedures for calculating the number of smoke pots required and the procedures for igniting smoke pots will also be taught. There are no prerequisites for this subcourse. This subcourse reflects the doctrine that was current at the time it was prepared. In your own work situation, always refer to the latest official publications. Unless otherwise stated, the masculine gender of singular pronouns is used to refer to both men and women. Terminal Learning Objective Action: You will identify procedures for selecting smoke pot positions, calculating smoke pot requirements, and igniting smoke pots. Conditions: Given information about and illustrations relating to the procedures for selecting smoke pot positions, calculating smoke pot requirements, and igniting smoke pots for a company-level smoke operation. Standards: To demonstrate competency of this task, you must achieve a minimum of 75 percent on the subcourse examination.

*** IMPORTANT NOTICE *** THE PASSING SCORE FOR ALL ACCP MATERIAL IS NOW 70%. PLEASE DISREGARD ALL REFERENCES TO THE 75% REQUIREMENT.

Table of Contents Page Subcourse Overview ................................................................................................................................................................ 1 Lesson 1: Select Smoke Pot Positions..................................................................................................................................... Part A: Describe the Purpose of Smoke Operations............................................................................................ Part B: Describe the Types of Smoke Pots ......................................................................................................... Part C: Determine Weather and Terrain Conditions............................................................................................ Part D: Determine Smoke Pot Spacing Requirements.......................................................................................... Part E: Identify the Field Expedient Methods for Emplacement of Smoke Pots................................................. Practice Exercise.................................................................................................................................................. Lesson 2: Determine Smoke Pot Requirements...................................................................................................................... Practice Exercise.................................................................................................................................................. Lesson 3: Ignite Smoke Pots.................................................................................................................................................... Practice Exercise.................................................................................................................................................. 4 4 5 7 8 9 13 15 19 21 23

Answer Key and Feedback................................................................................................................................... 14

Answer Key and Feedback................................................................................................................................... 20

Answer Key and Feedback................................................................................................................................... 24 Appendix: Publication Extracts............................................................................................................................................... 27 GTA 3-2-2 Smoke Pot Employment Guide, April 1984. Use the above GTA card to take this subcourse. At the time we wrote this subcourse, this was the current publication. In your own work situation, always refer to the latest publications.

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Lesson 1 Select Smoke Pot Positions Critical Tasks: 031-508-2010 031-508-3060 Overview Lesson Description: In this lesson you will learn how to select smoke pot positions. Terminal Learning Objective: Action: Select smoke pot positions. Conditions: Given information about and illustrations relating to the procedures for selecting smoke pot positions including a determination of weather and terrain conditions, spacing requirement, and techniques for emplacement of smoke pots for a company-level smoke operation. Standards: Demonstrate competency of the task skills and knowledge by responding to a multiplechoice test covering the procedures or selecting smoke pot positions. References: The material contained in this lesson was derived from FM 3-50 and TB CML 100. Introduction Smoke is a weapon of deception. Deceiving the enemy helps to ensure mission success. When opposing forces can view and monitor friendly preparations, the next move can be guessed with surprising accuracy. Therefore, every effort must be made to conceal forces, preparations, and movement. While camouflage and night operations support this goal to a certain extent, smoke provides the means of covering large areas of activity at any time of day or night. Smoke can also be used to cover an unoccupied area by forcing the enemy to expend forces against a nonexistent operation. Smoke pots and mechanical smoke generators are the means by which many smoke screens are produced to provide the desired deception. Part A - Describe the Purpose of Smoke Operations The deliberate use of smoke and the inadvertent or planned generation of dust on the battlefield have always been of concern to units in action. When used to ones advantage, smoke can significantly reduce the enemy's effectiveness both in daytime and at night. Smoke, combined with suppressive fires, will provide increased opportunities for maneuver forces to deploy. This enhances the chances of mission accomplishment without catastrophic losses in the highly lethal modern battle arena. Smoke, dust, and other aerosol obscurants effectively degrade smart weapon systems and visual target acquisition. Smoke may be used to reduce the ability of the enemy to deliver effective fires and to hamper hostile operations. It is used to deny the enemy information on friendly forces (ships, troops, and aircraft), positions, and maneuvers. Hence, the important concept of obscuration in support of the combat actions of military forces under contemporary conditions has been reinforced. Smoke agents and smoke-producing substances under development affect existing systems. In a similar vein, dust, while usually inadvertent and often present when not desired, can be used to deny information to the enemy and to degrade the performance of targetacquisition devices. Characteristics of Smoke Screens A smoke blanket is an area smoke seen laid in a horizontal plane. It is designed to obscure a large area and provide protection against aerial observation, or to blanket military positions. Properly laid, a smoke blanket gives a uniformly dense blanket of smoke over the target area. A smoke haze has the same characteristics as a smoke blanket except that a smoke haze is not as dense as a smoke blanket. A smoke curtain is a vertical screen, extending from the surface to a height greater than the target height. It is placed between friendly and enemy positions to prevent or degrade enemy ground observation of friendly positions. It does not prevent aerial observation. In friendly territory, a smoke generator unit can produce all three types of smoke screens. Uses of Smoke Screens A smoke haze (Figure 1) is used to hinder aerial and ground observation by concealing the location of

Figure 1. Smoke haze.

Figure 2. Smoke blanket. friendly units. A smoke haze increases the survivability of friendly forces without reducing visibility of friendly forces to such an extent that the mission cannot be accomplished. It is produced by smoke generators and smoke pots. A smoke blanket (Figure 2) is used primarily over friendly areas to screen them from enemy visual observation and hinder enemy aerial observation. A smoke blanket can also be used to hinder enemy visual precision bombing. A smoke blanket may restrict movement and activity within the screen, thus hampering operations of friendly troops. The smoke blanket is produced by smoke generators and smoke pots. A smoke curtain (Figure 3) is a dense vertical development of smoke rather than a horizontal blanket over an area. It is placed between friendly and enemy positions. It is used to obscure or restrict enemy ground observation of friendly positions and activities; it will not prevent aerial observation. Artillery, mortars, grenades, and rockets are used for producing hasty smoke curtains. Smoke should be planned for and used during darkness and other periods of reduced visibility to further degrade enemy observation, particularly electro-optical devices not defeated by natural obscuration. Smoke increases the overall effectiveness of chemical and conventional munitions (including scattering mines) by masking their employment. Similarly, the effects of smoke on enemy operations are compounded when electronic warfare is simultaneously employed to degrade enemy command control and communications. Smoke has the added effect of reducing the thermal effects of nuclear weapons. US forces use smoke in one or more of the ways just discussed to Deny the enemy observation. Reduce effectiveness of enemy target acquisition means. Restrict nap-of-the-earth and contour approaches for aircraft. Disrupt enemy movement, operations, and command control. Create conditions to surprise the enemy. Deceive the enemy. Part B - Describe the Types of Smoke Pots Smoke pots are essentially portable steel containers filled with a smoke-producing agent. An essential difference between land-type smoke pots and floating smoke pots lies in the ratio of total bulk of the smoke pots to bulk of smoke-producing agent. Floating smoke pots are not completely filled with agents; voids in the container permit the pot to float in water. The smoke pots in current use are the ABC-M5 and M4A2. Both smoke pots can be used on land. The

Figure 3. Smoke curtain. M4A2 can be used on water. These smoke munitions are described below. Smoke Pot, HC, 33-Pound, ABC-M5 The M5 smoke pot (Figure 4) is a burning type smoke pot. It is a cylindrical sheet-metal container, 8 1/2 inches in diameter by 9 1/2 inches high. This smoke pot is filled with approximately 30 pounds of type C HC smoke mixture and 1 pound of a fast-burning smoke mixture. The bottom of the container is tapered to a diameter of 8 1/4 inches to permit stable stacking. The pot is covered by a nonremovable outer cover with a circular tear strip connected internally by two lead wires to two electric squibs. A carrying handle is mounted on the outer cover. An inner cover with a circular hole in its center covers the filling. A plastic cup containing a starting mixture is embedded in the top of the filling hole in the inner cover. A matchhead that is centered above the starter mixture is accessible when the tear strip is removed. A scratcher block in a paper envelope is packed between the inner and outer covers. This smoke pot is ignited by the manual matchhead or the electrical squib. Both ignition devices are included on this smoke pot. Smoke Pot, Floating, HC, M4A2 The M4A2 smoke pot (Figure 5) is a burning-type smoke pot. It is a metal container, 12 inches in diameter by 13 inches high. The lower third of the pot contains approximately 27 1/2 pounds of HC smoke mixture. A waterproof outer cover secured to the pot by a quickrelease clamp keeps moisture out and protects the fuze. A steel carrying handle is attached to the outer cover. A dish-shaped inner cover covers the filling and provides a mounting for the fuze adapter. Three vent holes in the inner cover are sealed with adhesive tape. A steel handle is attached to the inner cover for carrying the smoke pot after the outer cover has been removed. The starter mixture is in a plastic cup embedded in the smoke mixture. The filling is separated from the air chamber above by a plastic closure disk held in place by a metal retainer. The smoke pot fuze tube extends downward from the lower end of the fuze adapter to the starter mixture. This smoke pot is ignited by the

Figure 4. ABC-M5 smoke pot. 6

Figure 5. M4A2 HC floating smoke pot. M207A1 floating smoke pot fuze only. Part C-Determine Weather and Terrain Conditions A smoke screen must be continuous to be effective. The success of a smoke screen depends greatly on the interpretation of meteorological data and the observation of the screen in relation to the terrain while the smoke operations are being conducted. These factors are discussed below. Wind There are many different types of wind that affect deliberate smoke operations. Prevailing winds have the greatest influence. Prevailing winds blow between 9 and 800 meters above the ground and tend to move smoke screens in one direction. To determine the direction and speed of prevailing winds, estimates are made at 16 meters above the ground. Smoke generators and other smoke sources must be employed and positioned based on the wind direction (Figure 6). Consider the location of enemy forces before selecting or emplacing a smoke source. Place smoke pots or generators with a tail wind in reference to the selected area. Winds in excess of 26 kilometers per hour carry smoke rapidly from its source, but tend to break up the smoke screen. Therefore, more smoke munitions are required to produce the desired results. Wind speeds below 14 kilometers per hour change directions often. This causes smoke streamers to merge at a comparatively short distance from the source. Therefore, the smoke source must be moved closer to the objective to get effective coverage. Wind speeds ranging from 1 to 14 kilometers per hour are best for the production of smoke screens. HC smoke tends to rise when the wind is less than 1 kilometer per hour and is torn apart by winds faster than 25 kilometers per hour. Weather Conditions Weather conditions that affect smoke formation include temperature gradient, humidity, precipitation, and cloud cover. The three types of temperature gradients that affect smoke screens are inversion, neutral, and lapse. An estimate of temperature gradient is used to predict the stability of the air. Temperature gradients are measured by subtracting the air temperature 0.5 meters above the ground surface from the air temperature 4.0 meters above the surface. With logistical limitations, smoke can be produced under any temperature gradient. Inversion. An inversion (stable) condition exists when the air temperature increases with an increase in altitude. This condition creates stable air current and

Figure 6. Classifying wind directions. 7

makes smoke linger for long periods. Under stable conditions, smoke streamers tend to travel parallel downwind for a long distance before they spread and merge into a continuous blanket of smoke. Even after merging, this blanket of smoke lies low to the ground and reduces visibility at ground level. Stable conditions may keep the smoke from rising high enough to cover the top of buildings, or other tall objects. Neutral. When there is little change in temperature based on altitude, conditions are neutral. When the sky is more than 70 percent covered with clouds, neutral temperature gradients prevail. The atmosphere is moderately stable, and conditions are generally favorable for smoke. Under a neutral temperature gradient smoke streamers have a steadier direction, and there is less tendency for them to rise than when they are under unstable conditions. Also, streamers tend to spread and rise more quickly than under stable conditions. Therefore, neutral temperature gradients are best for all smoke screens. Lapse. The lapse (unstable) temperature gradient is just the opposite of inversion. The air temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. Unstable conditions make smoke break up because the air is moving. In low winds, during unstable conditions, the smoke streamer may rise abruptly from the source. In higher winds, the streamer may pass only a short distance downwind before rising and becoming diffused. Practically all smoke absorbs moisture from the air. The smoke particles absorb moisture and increase in size, thereby increasing their density and making the smoke more effective. Most smoke munitions produce a denser smoke when the humidity is high than when it is low. Therefore, high humidity is always favorable for smoke employment. Light rains decrease visibility; therefore, less smoke is needed for concealment. Heavy rains and snow reduce visibility to the extent that smoke is rarely necessary to provide concealment. Terrain Since smoke is carried by the wind, it normally follows the contours of the earth. On flat or unbroken terrain and over water, smoke streamers take longer to spread out and mix together. On the other hand, trees and buildings tend to mix smoke streamers and increase smoke coverage. Large hill masses and rugged terrain cause strong cross currents that disperse smoke, causing holes and unevenness. Part D-Determine Smoke Pot Spacing Requirements The spacing of smoke pots is the measured distance interval between positions necessary to produce an 8

effective smoke cloud. In order to determine this interval you must first understand the basic characteristics of a smoke cloud and the terrain over which smoke will be produced. These conditions are described below. Characteristics of a Smoke Cloud In combat, smoke-producing devices are used to produce smoke screens or smoke clouds of various sizes and densities. Once produced, the life of a smoke cloud may be described in four successive phases (Figure 7). Individual streamer. Each smoke device emits a steamer of smoke that travels downwind and begins to expand. Depending on weather conditions, the smoke may rise into the air or stay close to the ground. The farther the smoke travels downwind, the more the streamer expands. Buildup. About 20 to 30 meters downwind, individual smoke streamers begin to merge. This merger point starts the buildup phase. The screen becomes thicker as several smoke streamers merge. However, the screen is not uniform at this point because parts of the screen have more smoke particles than others. Uniform. After the smoke travels about 50 meters, the screen density becomes uniform. The same number of smoke particles exists in any part of the screen. The uniform phase of the screen usually travels downwind about 2 to 6 kilometers. Local weather and terrain dictate the exact length of the screen. Terminal. Eventually, the smoke screen breaks up. Large smoke particles settle on the ground, and smaller ones dissipate into the air. In this phase, the screen becomes so thin that it no longer degrades vision of electro-optical devices. Terrain Visual observations are used to determine the type of terrain over which a smoke screen is to be used. When using the spacing guide (Figure 8), only two types of terrain-water/open and wooded-are considered. After you have determined the type of terrain, the wind speed, and temperature gradient, you can determine the spacing (in meters) of smoke pots by looking at the spacing guide. Example: Determine the spacing for ABC-M5 smoke pots to produce a smoke blanket under a neutral condition in a wooded area with 13 kilometers per hour wind speed. First, look on the spacing guide for the Wind Speed column to locate 13 kilometers per hour. Read across the 1 to 14 kilometers per hour line to the Temperature Gradient column for the neutral condition. Continue across the Terrain Description column on the wooded line. Continue across the Position Spacing column for Haze and Blanket figures. You will find that the distance between smoke pot positions for a haze is 70

Figure 7. Four phases of smoke cloud.

Figure 8. Spacing guide. meters and for a blanket 35 meters. Part E - Identify the Field Expedient Methods for Emplacement of Smoke Pots WARNING For training purposes, all flammable material (leaves, sticks, and dead grass) will be removed from the stacking area. Failure to do so will result in fire. In combat the enemy is likely to shoot at things that glow in the dark. Since smoke pots produce light, they should be concealed from the enemy. A shield must be improvised that masks the glare but allows the smoke to escape freely. Concealment of Smoke Pots There are two methods of concealing the glare of smoke pots. These are the drum method and the covered trench method. Use the procedures below to construct these emplacements. Drum Method. To use this method, follow these steps: Step 1. Cut a 14-inch (.3 meter) diameter hole in the

center of one end of the 55-gallon drum and a 6-inch (9centimeters) hole in the other end of the drum. The 6-inch (9-centimeters) should be cut on one side of the end as shown in Figure 9. Step 2. Place the drum over the smoke pot, as pictured. Covered Trench Method. To use this method follow three steps: Step 1. Dig a trench approximately 3 1/2 feet (1 meter) long, 1 foot (.3 meter) wide, and 3 feet (approximately 1 meter) deep. (The issue entrenching tool is 2 feet long when unfolded.) Step 2. Place the smoke pot on its side in the trench and partially cover the trench with any suitable material. Camouflage the position. Step 3. Leave an opening on each side of the trench for the emission of the smoke. NOTE Neither the drum nor the trench method will completely screen the light from the burning smoke pots. Further, when a burning smoke pot is enclosed in a shield, slightly less smoke is produced than from an unshielded pot. Compensation must be made for the reduction in smoke by the use of additional smoke pots or reducing the spacing interval. During combat operation you may not have enough time to construct smoke pot emplacements. You may have to use smoke pots above ground. When smoke pots are used on top of the ground, you should use flame shields around individual smoke pots to hide their glare from the enemy. Construct flame shields from rocks, scrap iron, or any other nonflammable expedient. Figure 11 shows an example of using available materials to conceal the glare from smoke pots. The smoke pot is placed on the ground and the material is simply

Figure 9. Drum method.

Figure 10. Covered trench method.

Figure 11. On-top-of-the-ground method. 10

placed over it as effectively as possible. Sometimes you may need smoke for a longer period of time than would be provided by just one smoke pot. Some of the smoke pots described in this lesson are designed to stack, or mate, end to end. A number of ABC-M5 smoke pots can be arranged to ignite in succession, thus providing smoke for a longer period than is possible using a single pot. To accomplish chain ignition, the pots can be placed in stacks and the topmost pot in the stack ignited, or they can be laid on their sides end to end and the pot with the exposed igniting device ignited. Prior to stacking or being on their side, the outer covers must be removed from all pots so that the igniting devices are exposed. The ABC-M5 smoke pot is especially designed for vertical stacking and because the bottom of one pot fits snugly into the top of the one below it, no support is required. Whether pots are stacked vertically or laid on their sides, the heat generated by one burning pot in a series ignites the adjacent pot. The total burning time of a series of smoke pots ignited by chain ignition is slightly less than the sum of the individual burning times because each pot

ignites shortly before the previous one burns out. To prevent starting unwanted fires, the ground around the smoke pots should be cleared of all flammables. This method of ignition is called chain ignition. This chain ignition continues until all mate smoke pots have burned. Figure 12 illustrates smoke pots stacked ready for chain ignition.

Figure 12. Stacked smoke pots.

11

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

12

Lesson 1 Practice Exercise The following items will test your grasp of the material covered in this lesson. There is only one correct answer for each item. When you complete the exercise, check your answer with the answer key that follows. If you answer any item incorrectly, study again that part of the lesson that contains the portion involved. 1. How is the air temperature affected when an inversion exist? A. Increases with an increase in altitude. B. Decreases with an increase in altitude. C. Does not change with an increase in altitude. D. Fluctuates from one layer of air to another. 2. Which temperature gradients affect smoke? A. Inversion, unstable, and stable. B. Neutral, stable, and inversion. C. Inversion, neutral, and lapse. D. Unstable, neutral, and lapse. 3. When will smoke munitions produce the densest smoke? A. Low humidity. B. Moderate humidity. C. High humidity. D. Arid condition. 4. Which smoke pot comes equipped with a manual matchhead and an electrical squib ignition? A. M18. B. M4A2. C. M5. D. M7A1. 5. In what condition should the area be around stacked smoke pots? A. Undisturbed. B. Covered with nets. C. Covered with vegetation. D. Cleared of flammable material. 6. Which type of smoke screen increases the survivability of friendly forces without seriously reducing visibility? A. Haze. B. Blanket. C. Curtain. D. Streamer. 7. Which factor determines where smoke generators must be positioned? A. Wind speed. B. Wind direction. C. Smoke munition. D. Temperature gradient. 8. What is the purpose of a flame shield? A. Provide protection from flame weapons. B. Direct smoke operations. C. Support stacked smoke pots. D. Hide the glare. 9. Which phase best describes smoke when it first leaves a smoke device? A. Streamer. B. Buildup. C. Uniform. D. Terminal. 10. What spacing is required for ABC-M5 smoke pots to produce a smoke haze under neutral conditions in a wooded area with winds of 12 kilometers per hour? A. 50 metes. B. 70 meters. C. 250 metes. D. 350 meters.

13

Lesson 1 Practice Exercise Answer Key and Feedback

14

Lesson 2 Determine Smoke Pot Requirements Critical Task: 031-508-2066 Overview Lesson Description: In this lesson you will learn how to calculate smoke pot requirements for a company-level smoke operation. Terminal Learning Objective: Action: Determine smoke pot requirements. Conditions: Given information about and illustrations related to the procedures for calculating smoke pot requirement, including determinant of burning time, length of front, and number of positions required for a company-level operation. Standards: Demonstrate competency of the task skills and knowledge by responding to the multiplechoice test covering the procedures for calculating smoke pot requirements. References: The material contained in this lesson was derived from FM 3-50 and TB CML 100. Introduction The three formulas for calculating smoke pot requirements are smoke pot positions, smoke pots per position, and total smoke pots required. You must have the type of terrain, temperature gradient, wind speed, type screen (blanket or haze), target width, duration of mission, and type of smoke pot to calculate smoke pot requirements. Smoke Pot Positions Formula To determine how many positions are needed (P), you divide the target width (TW) by position spacing (PS) (round up decimals of 5 or more) and then add one. The "add one" is a constant. When counting from one position to the next, you must include your own position. (Instead of starting with 0 you start with 1.) P = (TW/PS) + 1 Smoke Pots Per Position Formula To determine the number of smoke pots for each position (P/P), you divide the mission time (MT) by the minimum burn time (BT). (Always round up decimals when calculating smoke pots per positions on the premise that it is better to have more smoke than not enough.) PP = MT/ BT Total Smoke Pots Required Formula To determine the total number of smoke pots required (TP), multiply the smoke pot positions (P) by the pots per position (P/P). TP = P x P/P Example: The mission is as follows: You must lay smoke from 1000 hours to 1130 hours. Type of smoke pots to be used is ABC-M5. Wind speed is 8 kilometers per hour. Type of coverage needed is a blanket. Target width is 200 meters. The target is in an open area. Step 1. Estimate wind speed (see Figure 13). You feel a slight wind on your face and leaves are rustling (6 to 10 Kilometers per hour). Step 2. Determine temperature gradient (see Figure 14). You must lay smoke from 1000 to 1130 hours, and the sky cover is less than 30 percent (lapse). Step 3. Determine spacing between positions and distance from target (see Figure 15 on page 16). Wind is 8 Kilometers per hour and target area you want to blanket is open. (Need 25 meters between positions, 250 meters upwind of target area.) Step 4. Determine how many positions are needed. (Divide target width (TW) of 200 meters by position spacing (PS) of 25, round up decimals of .5 or more, and add 1. Positions needed equal 9.) Step 5. Determine how many pots are needed in each position. (Divide the time required for the mission (MT) of 90 minutes by the minimum burning time (BT) of 12 minutes using the ABC-M5 smoke pots; round up decimals of .5 or more. Pots needed in each position equal 8) Step 6. Determine the total number of pots required for the mission (TP). (Multiply the number of positions (P) by the number of pots per position (P/P). 9 x 8 = 72 smoke pots needed.

15

Figure 13. Wind speed estimate.

Figure 14. Temperature gradient condition.

16

Figure 15. Smoke pot spacing and line/target distance.

Figure 16. Smoke pot characteristics.

17

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

18

Lesson 2 Practice Exercise The following items will test your grasp of the material covered in this lesson. There is only one correct answer for each item. When you complete the exercise, check your answer with the answer key that follows. If you answer any item incorrectly, study again that part of the lesson that contains the portion involved. NOTE: To answer questions 1 through 6, refer to the situation below and the figures provided in lesson 2. Situation: Your unit has been given the requirement to establish a smoke line using M4A2 smoke pots in open terrain. The wind speed is 16 Kilometers per hour, and the temperature gradient is neutral. The target area is 800 meters wide, and your unit is to provide a smoke haze for three hours. 1. How many smoke pots will be required for each position? A. B. C. D. 10. 18. 20. 22 smoke pot positions will be 3. What is the minimum burning time (in minutes) for the smoke pot to be used? A. B. C. D. 4. 10. 12. 15. 22.

What is the spacing requirement in meters? A. B. C. D. 15. 20. 30. 40.

5. What is the distance to the near edge of the target in relation to the spacing requirement? A. B. C. D. 150. 200. 250. 300.

6. What is the total number of smoke pots required to complete the mission? A. B. C. D. 377. 180. 270. 378.

2. How many established? A. B. C. D. 11. 20. 21. 30.

19

Lesson 2 Practice Exercise Answer Key and Feedback

20

Lesson 3 Ignite Smoke Pots Critical Task: 031-508-1061 Overview Lesson Description: In this lesson you will learn how to ignite smoke pots safely. Terminal Learning Objective: Action: Ignite smoke pots. Conditions: Given information about and illustrations related to the procedures for igniting smoke pots by manual and electrical methods. Standards: Demonstrate competency of the task skills and knowledge by responding to the multiplechoice test covering the procedures for igniting smoke pots by manual and electrical methods. References: The material contained in this lesson was derived from TB CML 100. Introduction Prior to igniting any smoke pot, you must first understand the safety precautions to be observed during the handling and use of smoke pots. Keep in mind the safety precautions listed below whenever smoke pots are required. When igniting a smoke pot manually, keep your head well to one side on the top of the pot and out of the way of sparks or flame. Do NOT use the pull ring or safety pin on the fuze for lifting or handling smoke pots. Vent a burning-type (HC) smoke pots M4A2 and ABC M5, for at least five minutes within 24 hours before igniting by removing adhesive tape from the two vent holes in the inside cover. Recover the holes with adhesive tape before firing the smoke pots. Use a 4-to 6-foot pole when moving a misfired pot immediately following the first ignition attempt. After five minutes, the misfired pot can be moved safely by hand. When authorized to destroy smoke pots to prevent enemy use, be sure that smoke from the pots does not interfere with the operations of nearby tactical units. Wear a protective mask when exposed to a high concentration of HC smoke, when exposed for a prolonged period to an ordinary field concentration of HC, or when exposed for a prolonged period to a high concentration of SGF2. When training with smoke pots, take precautionary measures against accidental fires. Methods of Igniting Smoke Pots There are currently three methods of igniting smoke pots. These are single ignition, multiple ignition, and chain ignition. During single ignition, the smoke pots are fired one at a time, either by mechanical or electrical means. For multiple ignition, several smoke pots or a line of smoke pots are ignited simultaneously at different locations. An electric firing circuit is normally used to accomplish multiple ignition. Chain ignition is the igniting of smoke pots that are placed end to end either vertically or horizontally. Initial firing of chain-ignited smoke pots can be either mechanical or electrical. Once ignited, the heat generated by one burning pot will ignite the next smoke pot and provide smoke for a longer period of time than is possible by using a single smoke pot. However, the total burning time is slightly less than the total burning time would be if the smoke pots were burned singly. This occurs because the heat from the first smoke pot ignites the next smoke pot before the first smoke pot is completely burned out.

Figure 17. Manual ignition.

21

Procedures for the Manual and Electrical Ignition of Smoke Pots The procedures for igniting the M5 smoke pots manually are described in Figure 17. The procedures for igniting the M5 smoke pot electrically are described in Figure 18. The procedures for igniting the M4A2 floating smoke pot manually are described below. Step 1. Remove the quick-release clamp and outer cover, exposing the fuze assembly. Step 2. Hold the fuze level firmly against the fuze body and pull the safety pin as shown in Figure 9. Step 3. Lift the smoke pot by the handle and drop it into the water, releasing the safety pin. WARNING The M4A2 floating smoke pots must be vented for at least five minutes within 24 hours before firing. This is done by removing the adhesive tape from two of the three vent holes in the inside cover. Recover the vent holes with adhesive tape prior to firing. Never lift the smoke pot by safety pin. Figure 18. Electrical ignition.

Figure 19. Pulling the safety pin.

22

Lesson 3 Practice Exercise The following items will test your grasp of the material covered in this lesson. There is only one correct answer for each item. When you complete the exercise, check your answer with the answer key that follows. If you answer any item incorrectly, study again that part of the lesson that contains the portion involved. 1. Which smoke pot must be vented prior to use? A. B. C. D. M1. M4A2. M7A. M18. 3. Which smoke pot can be ignited manually or electrically as is? A. B. C. D. 4. M1. M4A2. M5. M7A1.

How is manual ignition accomplished? A. B. C. D. Using the scratcher block. Pulling the tear strip. Firing the squib. Using a BA30 battery.

2. How many minutes must you wait before attempting to move a misfired smoke pot by hand? A. B. C. D. 20. 15. 10. 5.

5. When electrically igniting the ABC-M5 smoke pot, what is the maximum length of the connecting wires? A. B. C. D. 100 feet. 10 meters. 10 feet. 5 feet.

23

Lesson 3 Practice Exercise Answer Key and Feedback

24