Use of TNT on Bridge Security

In our Area of Operations there was one combat assignment every soldier dreamed of receiving  --  Bridge Security!  The 25th Infantry Division secured several important highway bridges, and it was imperative they not be destroyed.  A platoon would be assigned Bridge Security for three or four weeks, and it was considered "sham" time, with no hot all-day patrols, no night ambushes, just kick back in the shade and watch for an enemy attack.  And, oh yes, throw an occasional TNT charge into the water in case divers were attempting to set explosives on the bridge supports.  And as with everything else, when it came to TNT there was a "right" way, a "wrong" way, and the ARMY way.  On the serious side, this memo was probably distributed because of a fatal accident involving the misuse of one of these TNT charges.

SUBJECT: Use of TNT Charges on Bridge Security

TO:      Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion(Mech), 5th Infantry
         Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry
         Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry
         Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry
         Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 24th Armor

1. Reference Confidential Letter, this headquarters, dated 10 Dec 68, Subject: Use of Grenades in Bridge Defense.

2. It has once again been brought to the attention of this headquarters that all necessary safety precautions are not being followed in the preparation and use of TNT blocks in bridge security.  To assist the commanders responsible for bridge security in implementing these procedures, all levels of command involved will review the above letter referenced.  Extreme emphasis should be placed on the following aspects of this type operation:

     a. Primary cause of such accidents can usually be attributed to carelessness on the part of the individual using the charges.

     b. Individuals who handle these explosives should be given formal instruction by qualified personnel prior to actual utilization of demolitions.

     c. Personnel using TNT charges will be physically supervised by senior NCO's and officers.

     d. All personnel should be informed of the inherent dangers involved in using TNT charges.

     e. Particular attention should be paid to the use of fuse lighters and throwing the charge immediately upon pulling the fuse lighter the first time, regardless of whether or not it makes a sound or begins to smoke.

     f. Continual refresher training courses should be given to all personnel working with or around TNT charges.

3. Addressees will place continual command emphasis on all safety factors involved in the use of TNT charges.

FOR THE COMMANDER

 

                            GERALD J. MAHAIKO
                            Major, Infantry
                            Adjutant

 

This Battalion Report has been reproduced to appear like the original.  The copy was obtained by and has been generously contributed by Matt Vuolo, HHC,  2/14th Inf., 66-67.

Using TNT on Bridge Security
Copyright © 2008 Kirk S. Ramsey
Last modified: January 20, 2020