SHOULDER-LAUNCHED MUNITIONS

G-63. Figure G-21 through G-30 and table G-11 illustrate surface danger zones and back blast danger zone information for SLM. (Refer to DA Pamphlet 385-63 and TM 3-23.25 for more information.)

Figure G-21. M136 AT4 backblast danger area

Table G-11. AT4 surface danger zones criteria in meters

Figure G-22. Surface danger zones for firing M136 AT4

Figure G-23. Surface danger zones area F for firing M136 AT4

Figure G-24. M136A1 AT4CS backblast danger area

Figure G-25. Surface danger zones area for firing M136A1 AT4CS

Figure G-26. M72A2/3 LAW backblast area

Figure G-27. Improved LAW backblast danger area

Figure G-28. Surface danger zones for firing Improved LAW

Figure G-29. M141 BDM backblast danger area

Figure G-30. Surface danger zones for firing M141 BDM

COMBAT SAFETY FOR ALL SHOULDER-LAUNCHED MUNITIONS

G-64. Combat safety rules and procedures include all those applying to training with the following modifications.

Engagement From an Enclosure

G-65. The M136A1 AT4CS is the only SLM proven safe for firing from enclosures; however, enclosures must meet the following specifications. (See figure G-31.)

• The inside area must be a minimum of 12 feet wide and 15 feet long (about 3.5 meters wide and 4.5 meters long).
• The ceiling must be a minimum of seven feet (2.1 meters) high.
• The window opening must be a minimum of 36 inches wide and 36 inches long (one meter wide and one meter long).
• The door opening must be a minimum of 36 inches wide and 72 inches long (one meter wide and two meters long).
• The structure should be of significant construction to withstand the munitions back blast.

Figure G-31. Minimal dimensions of a confined space

G-66. The following requirements must be followed when firing indoors─ (See Figure G-32.)

• Fire in the standing position only.
• Cover and/or protect all equipment (example, small arms, radio set) in the room.
• Remove any loose objects which might be thrown when firing from directly behind the launcher.
• Keep stuffed furniture (example mattresses, cushions, pillows), to absorb pressure.
• Hang a blanket 1.5 to two meters behind the launcher and 15 to 30 centimeters from the rear wall. This considerably reduces sound pressure.
• Open all windows and doors in room.
• Do not allow the angle of the launcher to exceed 20 degrees of depression from the horizontal plane. Do not fire the munitions at any angle of elevation. (See fgure G-32.) Do not allow the angle of the launcher to exceed 45 degrees left or right of the vertical plane.
• Wear combat arms earplugs.
• Fire the munitions no more than 10 centimeters (four inches) from a door or window frame. (See figure G-32.)

Figure G-32. Angle of launcher

Engagement From a Fighting Position

G-67. The M72-series LAW, M136 AT4, and M141 BDM can be fired from the standard Infantry fighting position. However, to increase accuracy and reduce danger to friendly Soldiers, the area to the rear of the firing position must have no walls, large trees, or other obstructions within five meters (5 1/2 yards). Ensuring the absence of such obstructions avoids deflection of weapon back blast onto the shooter or into the position─

• Individual Infantry fighting position. The Soldier must lean against the rear wall and ensure the venturi or the rear of the weapon protrudes past the rear of the position.
• Two-Soldier Infantry fighting position. Nonfiring personnel must remain clear of the back blast area. These positions should be constructed and sited so none are located in another position’s back blast danger zone.
• Modified firing position. A modified firing position may be constructed to the side of the two-Soldier fighting position. Firing from a modified position reduces the possibility of injury to the shooter or the other Soldier in the fighting position, while still offering the shooter protection from enemy return fire.

Overhead Fire

G-68. SLM should not be fired over the heads of friendly Soldiers, unless the Soldiers have adequate protection against direct impact or other hazards.