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SUBCOURSE EDITION CM7112 B SMOKE POTS

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Page 1: Smoke Pots CM7112

SUBCOURSE EDITIONCM7112 B

SMOKE POTS

Page 2: Smoke Pots CM7112

Smoke Pots

Subcourse Number CM 7112

EDITION B

United States Army Chemical SchoolFort Leonard Wood, Missouri 65473-8926

Six Credit Hours

Subcourse OverviewThis subcourse is designed to teach the purpose of

smoke screen operations and the various types of smokepots that are used at the company level. The student willalso learn what effect weather and terrain have on smokescreens, smoke pots spacing requirements, and thetechnique used for emplacing smoke pots. Theprocedures for calculating the number of smoke potsrequired and the procedures for igniting smoke pots willalso 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 ofsingular pronouns is used to refer to both men and women.

Terminal Learning ObjectiveAction: You will identify procedures for selecting smoke

pot positions, calculating smoke potrequirements, and igniting smoke pots.

Conditions: Given information about and illustrationsrelating to the procedures for selecting smoke potpositions, calculating smoke pot requirements,and igniting smoke pots for a company-levelsmoke operation.

Standards: To demonstrate competency of this task, youmust achieve a minimum of 75 percent on thesubcourse examination.

*** IMPORTANT NOTICE ***

THE PASSING SCORE FOR ALL ACCP MATERIAL IS NOW 70%.

PLEASE DISREGARD ALL REFERENCES TO THE 75% REQUIREMENT.

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Table of Contents

PageSubcourse Overview ................................................................................................................................................................ 1

Lesson 1: Select Smoke Pot Positions..................................................................................................................................... 4

Part A: Describe the Purpose of Smoke Operations............................................................................................ 4

Part B: Describe the Types of Smoke Pots ......................................................................................................... 5

Part C: Determine Weather and Terrain Conditions............................................................................................ 7

Part D: Determine Smoke Pot Spacing Requirements.......................................................................................... 8

Part E: Identify the Field Expedient Methods for Emplacement of Smoke Pots................................................. 9

Practice Exercise.................................................................................................................................................. 13

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

Lesson 2: Determine Smoke Pot Requirements...................................................................................................................... 15

Practice Exercise.................................................................................................................................................. 19

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

Lesson 3: Ignite Smoke Pots.................................................................................................................................................... 21

Practice Exercise.................................................................................................................................................. 23

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 thetime we wrote this subcourse, this was the current publication. In your own work situation, always refer to thelatest publications.

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Lesson 1Select Smoke Pot Positions

Critical Tasks: 031-508-2010031-508-3060

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 potpositions including a determination of weatherand terrain conditions, spacing requirement, andtechniques for emplacement of smoke pots for acompany-level smoke operation.

Standards: Demonstrate competency of the task skillsand knowledge by responding to a multiple-choice test covering the procedures or selectingsmoke pot positions.

References: The material contained in this lesson wasderived from FM 3-50 and TB CML 100.

IntroductionSmoke is a weapon of deception. Deceiving the

enemy helps to ensure mission success. When opposingforces can view and monitor friendly preparations, thenext move can be guessed with surprising accuracy.Therefore, every effort must be made to conceal forces,preparations, and movement. While camouflage and nightoperations support this goal to a certain extent, smokeprovides the means of covering large areas of activity atany time of day or night. Smoke can also be used to coveran unoccupied area by forcing the enemy to expend forcesagainst a nonexistent operation. Smoke pots andmechanical smoke generators are the means by whichmany smoke screens are produced to provide the desireddeception.

Part A - Describe the Purpose ofSmoke Operations

The deliberate use of smoke and the inadvertent orplanned generation of dust on the battlefield have alwaysbeen of concern to units in action. When used to one’sadvantage, smoke can significantly reduce the enemy'seffectiveness both in daytime and at night. Smoke,

combined with suppressive fires, will provide increasedopportunities for maneuver forces to deploy. Thisenhances the chances of mission accomplishment withoutcatastrophic losses in the highly lethal modern battlearena. Smoke, dust, and other aerosol obscurantseffectively degrade smart weapon systems and visualtarget acquisition. Smoke may be used to reduce theability of the enemy to deliver effective fires and tohamper hostile operations. It is used to deny the enemyinformation on friendly forces (ships, troops, and aircraft),positions, and maneuvers. Hence, the important conceptof obscuration in support of the combat actions of militaryforces under contemporary conditions has beenreinforced. Smoke agents and smoke-producingsubstances under development affect existing systems. Ina similar vein, dust, while usually inadvertent and oftenpresent when not desired, can be used to deny informationto the enemy and to degrade the performance of target-acquisition devices.

Characteristics of Smoke ScreensA smoke blanket is an area smoke seen laid in a

horizontal plane. It is designed to obscure a large areaand provide protection against aerial observation, or toblanket military positions. Properly laid, a smoke blanketgives a uniformly dense blanket of smoke over the targetarea.

A smoke haze has the same characteristics as a smokeblanket except that a smoke haze is not as dense as asmoke blanket.

A smoke curtain is a vertical screen, extending fromthe surface to a height greater than the target height. It isplaced between friendly and enemy positions to prevent ordegrade enemy ground observation of friendly positions.It does not prevent aerial observation.

In friendly territory, a smoke generator unit canproduce all three types of smoke screens.

Uses of Smoke ScreensA smoke haze (Figure 1) is used to hinder aerial and

ground observation by concealing the location of

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Figure 1. Smoke haze.

Figure 2. Smoke blanket.

friendly units. A smoke haze increases the survivability offriendly forces without reducing visibility of friendlyforces to such an extent that the mission cannot beaccomplished. It is produced by smoke generators andsmoke pots.

A smoke blanket (Figure 2) is used primarily overfriendly areas to screen them from enemy visualobservation and hinder enemy aerial observation. Asmoke blanket can also be used to hinder enemy visualprecision bombing. A smoke blanket may restrictmovement and activity within the screen, thus hamperingoperations of friendly troops. The smoke blanket isproduced by smoke generators and smoke pots.

A smoke curtain (Figure 3) is a dense verticaldevelopment of smoke rather than a horizontal blanketover an area. It is placed between friendly and enemypositions. It is used to obscure or restrict enemy groundobservation of friendly positions and activities; it will notprevent aerial observation. Artillery, mortars, grenades,and rockets are used for producing hasty smoke curtains.

Smoke should be planned for and used duringdarkness and other periods of reduced visibility to furtherdegrade enemy observation, particularly electro-opticaldevices not defeated by natural obscuration. Smokeincreases the overall effectiveness of chemical andconventional munitions (including scattering mines) bymasking their employment.

Similarly, the effects of smoke on enemy operationsare compounded when electronic warfare is

simultaneously employed to degrade enemy commandcontrol and communications. Smoke has the added effectof reducing the thermal effects of nuclear weapons.

US forces use smoke in one or more of the ways justdiscussed 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 ofSmoke Pots

Smoke pots are essentially portable steel containersfilled with a smoke-producing agent. An essentialdifference between land-type smoke pots and floatingsmoke pots lies in the ratio of total bulk of the smoke potsto bulk of smoke-producing agent. Floating smoke potsare not completely filled with agents; voids in thecontainer permit the pot to float in water.

The smoke pots in current use are the ABC-M5 andM4A2. Both smoke pots can be used on land. The

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Figure 3. Smoke curtain.

M4A2 can be used on water. These smoke munitions aredescribed below.

Smoke Pot, HC, 33-Pound, ABC-M5The M5 smoke pot (Figure 4) is a burning type smoke

pot. It is a cylindrical sheet-metal container, 8 1/2 inchesin diameter by 9 1/2 inches high. This smoke pot is filledwith approximately 30 pounds of type “C” HC smokemixture and 1 pound of a fast-burning smoke mixture.The bottom of the container is tapered to a diameter of 81/4 inches to permit stable stacking. The pot is coveredby a nonremovable outer cover with a circular tear stripconnected internally by two lead wires to two electricsquibs. A carrying handle is mounted on the outer cover.An inner cover with a circular hole in its center covers thefilling. A plastic cup containing a starting mixture isembedded in the top of the filling hole in the inner cover.A matchhead that is centered above the starter mixture isaccessible when the tear strip is removed. A scratcherblock in a paper envelope is packed between the inner andouter covers. This smoke pot is ignited by the manual

matchhead or the electrical squib. Both ignition devicesare included on this smoke pot.

Smoke Pot, Floating, HC, M4A2The M4A2 smoke pot (Figure 5) is a burning-type

smoke pot. It is a metal container, 12 inches in diameterby 13 inches high. The lower third of the pot containsapproximately 27 1/2 pounds of HC smoke mixture. Awaterproof outer cover secured to the pot by a quick-release clamp keeps moisture out and protects the fuze. Asteel carrying handle is attached to the outer cover. Adish-shaped inner cover covers the filling and provides amounting for the fuze adapter. Three vent holes in theinner cover are sealed with adhesive tape. A steel handleis attached to the inner cover for carrying the smoke potafter the outer cover has been removed. The startermixture is in a plastic cup embedded in the smokemixture. The filling is separated from the air chamberabove by a plastic closure disk held in place by a metalretainer. The smoke pot fuze tube extends downwardfrom the lower end of the fuze adapter to the startermixture. This smoke pot is ignited by the

Figure 4. ABC-M5 smoke pot.

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Figure 5. M4A2 HC floating smoke pot.

M207A1 floating smoke pot fuze only.

Part C-Determine Weather andTerrain Conditions

A smoke screen must be continuous to be effective.The success of a smoke screen depends greatly on theinterpretation of meteorological data and the observationof the screen in relation to the terrain while the smokeoperations are being conducted. These factors arediscussed below.

WindThere are many different types of wind that affect

deliberate smoke operations. Prevailing winds have thegreatest influence.

Prevailing winds blow between 9 and 800 metersabove the ground and tend to move smoke screens in onedirection. To determine the direction and speed ofprevailing winds, estimates are made at 16 meters abovethe ground.

Smoke generators and other smoke sources must beemployed and positioned based on the wind direction(Figure 6). Consider the location of enemy forces beforeselecting or emplacing a smoke source. Place smoke potsor generators with a tail wind in reference to the selectedarea.

Winds in excess of 26 kilometers per hour carrysmoke rapidly from its source, but tend to break up thesmoke screen. Therefore, more smoke munitions arerequired to produce the desired results. Wind speedsbelow 14 kilometers per hour change directions often.This causes smoke streamers to merge at a comparativelyshort distance from the source. Therefore, the smokesource must be moved closer to the objective to geteffective coverage. Wind speeds ranging from 1 to 14kilometers per hour are best for the production of smokescreens. HC smoke tends to rise when the wind is less

than 1 kilometer per hour and is torn apart by winds fasterthan 25 kilometers per hour.

Weather ConditionsWeather conditions that affect smoke formation

include temperature gradient, humidity, precipitation, andcloud cover.

The three types of temperature gradients that affectsmoke screens are inversion, neutral, and lapse. Anestimate of temperature gradient is used to predict thestability of the air. Temperature gradients are measuredby subtracting the air temperature 0.5 meters above theground surface from the air temperature 4.0 meters abovethe surface. With logistical limitations, smoke can beproduced under any temperature gradient.

Inversion. An inversion (stable) condition existswhen the air temperature increases with an increase inaltitude. This condition creates stable air current and

Figure 6. Classifying wind directions.

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makes smoke linger for long periods. Under stableconditions, smoke streamers tend to travel paralleldownwind for a long distance before they spread andmerge into a continuous blanket of smoke. Even aftermerging, this blanket of smoke lies low to the ground andreduces visibility at ground level. Stable conditions maykeep the smoke from rising high enough to cover the topof buildings, or other tall objects.

Neutral. When there is little change in temperaturebased on altitude, conditions are neutral. When the sky ismore than 70 percent covered with clouds, neutraltemperature gradients prevail. The atmosphere ismoderately stable, and conditions are generally favorablefor smoke. Under a neutral temperature gradient smokestreamers have a steadier direction, and there is lesstendency for them to rise than when they are underunstable conditions. Also, streamers tend to spread andrise more quickly than under stable conditions. Therefore,neutral temperature gradients are best for all smokescreens.

Lapse. The lapse (unstable) temperature gradient isjust the opposite of inversion. The air temperaturedecreases with an increase in altitude. Unstableconditions make smoke break up because the air ismoving. In low winds, during unstable conditions, thesmoke streamer may rise abruptly from the source. Inhigher winds, the streamer may pass only a short distancedownwind 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 smokemore effective. Most smoke munitions produce a densersmoke when the humidity is high than when it is low.Therefore, high humidity is always favorable for smokeemployment.

Light rains decrease visibility; therefore, less smokeis needed for concealment. Heavy rains and snow reducevisibility to the extent that smoke is rarely necessary toprovide concealment.

TerrainSince smoke is carried by the wind, it normally

follows the contours of the earth. On flat or unbrokenterrain and over water, smoke streamers take longer tospread out and mix together. On the other hand, trees andbuildings tend to mix smoke streamers and increasesmoke coverage. Large hill masses and rugged terraincause strong cross currents that disperse smoke, causingholes and unevenness.

Part D-Determine Smoke PotSpacing Requirements

The spacing of smoke pots is the measured distanceinterval between positions necessary to produce an

effective smoke cloud. In order to determine this intervalyou must first understand the basic characteristics of asmoke cloud and the terrain over which smoke will beproduced. These conditions are described below.

Characteristics of a Smoke CloudIn combat, smoke-producing devices are used to

produce smoke screens or smoke clouds of various sizesand densities. Once produced, the life of a smoke cloudmay be described in four successive phases (Figure 7).

Individual streamer. Each smoke device emits asteamer of smoke that travels downwind and begins toexpand. Depending on weather conditions, the smokemay rise into the air or stay close to the ground. Thefarther the smoke travels downwind, the more thestreamer expands.

Buildup. About 20 to 30 meters downwind,individual smoke streamers begin to merge. This mergerpoint starts the buildup phase. The screen becomesthicker as several smoke streamers merge. However, thescreen is not uniform at this point because parts of thescreen have more smoke particles than others.

Uniform. After the smoke travels about 50 meters,the screen density becomes uniform. The same number ofsmoke particles exists in any part of the screen. Theuniform phase of the screen usually travels downwindabout 2 to 6 kilometers. Local weather and terrain dictatethe exact length of the screen.

Terminal. Eventually, the smoke screen breaks up.Large smoke particles settle on the ground, and smallerones dissipate into the air. In this phase, the screenbecomes so thin that it no longer degrades vision ofelectro-optical devices.

TerrainVisual observations are used to determine the type of

terrain over which a smoke screen is to be used. Whenusing the spacing guide (Figure 8), only two types ofterrain-water/open and wooded-are considered. After youhave determined the type of terrain, the wind speed, andtemperature gradient, you can determine the spacing (inmeters) of smoke pots by looking at the spacing guide.

Example: Determine the spacing for ABC-M5 smokepots to produce a smoke blanket under a neutral conditionin a wooded area with 13 kilometers per hour wind speed.

First, look on the spacing guide for the Wind Speedcolumn to locate 13 kilometers per hour. Read across the1 to 14 kilometers per hour line to the TemperatureGradient column for the neutral condition. Continueacross the Terrain Description column on the woodedline. Continue across the Position Spacing column forHaze and Blanket figures. You will find that the distancebetween smoke pot positions for a haze is 70

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Figure 7. Four phases of smoke cloud.

Figure 8. Spacing guide.

meters and for a blanket 35 meters.

Part E - Identify the FieldExpedient Methods for

Emplacement of Smoke Pots

WARNINGFor training purposes, all flammable material (leaves,sticks, and dead grass) will be removed from thestacking area. Failure to do so will result in fire.

In combat the enemy is likely to shoot at things thatglow in the dark. Since smoke pots produce light, they

should be concealed from the enemy. A shield must beimprovised that masks the glare but allows the smoke toescape freely.

Concealment of Smoke PotsThere are two methods of concealing the glare of

smoke pots. These are the drum method and the coveredtrench method. Use the procedures below to constructthese emplacements.

Drum Method. To use this method, follow thesesteps:

Step 1. Cut a 14-inch (.3 meter) diameter hole in the

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Figure 9. Drum method.

Figure 10. Covered trench method.

center of one end of the 55-gallon drum and a 6-inch (9-centimeters) hole in the other end of the drum. The 6-inch(9-centimeters) should be cut on one side of the end asshown in Figure 9.

Step 2. Place the drum over the smoke pot, aspictured.

Covered Trench Method. To use this methodfollow three steps:

Step 1. Dig a trench approximately 3 1/2 feet (1meter) long, 1 foot (.3 meter) wide, and 3 feet(approximately 1 meter) deep. (The issue entrenchingtool is 2 feet long when unfolded.)

Step 2. Place the smoke pot on its side in the trenchand partially cover the trench with any suitable material.Camouflage the position.

Step 3. Leave an opening on each side of the trenchfor the emission of the smoke.

NOTENeither the drum nor the trench method will completelyscreen the light from the burning smoke pots. Further,when a burning smoke pot is enclosed in a shield, slightlyless smoke is produced than from an unshielded pot.Compensation must be made for the reduction in smokeby the use of additional smoke pots or reducing thespacing interval.

During combat operation you may not have enoughtime to construct smoke pot emplacements. You mayhave to use smoke pots above ground. When smoke potsare used on top of the ground, you should use flameshields around individual smoke pots to hide their glarefrom the enemy. Construct flame shields from rocks,scrap iron, or any other nonflammable expedient. Figure11 shows an example of using available materials toconceal the glare from smoke pots. The smoke pot isplaced on the ground and the material is simply

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

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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 aredesigned to stack, or mate, end to end. A number ofABC-M5 smoke pots can be arranged to ignite insuccession, thus providing smoke for a longer period thanis possible using a single pot. To accomplish chainignition, the pots can be placed in stacks and the topmostpot in the stack ignited, or they can be laid on their sidesend to end and the pot with the exposed igniting deviceignited. Prior to stacking or being on their side, the outercovers must be removed from all pots so that the ignitingdevices are exposed. The ABC-M5 smoke pot isespecially designed for vertical stacking and because thebottom of one pot fits snugly into the top of the one belowit, no support is required.

Whether pots are stacked vertically or laid on theirsides, the heat generated by one burning pot in a seriesignites the adjacent pot. The total burning time of a seriesof smoke pots ignited by chain ignition is slightly less thanthe sum of the individual burning times because each pot

ignites shortly before the previous one burns out. Toprevent starting unwanted fires, the ground around thesmoke pots should be cleared of all flammables.

This method of ignition is called chain ignition.This chain ignition continues until all mate smoke potshave burned.

Figure 12 illustrates smoke pots stacked ready forchain ignition.

Figure 12. Stacked smoke pots.

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Lesson 1

Practice Exercise

The following items will test your grasp of thematerial covered in this lesson. There is only one correctanswer for each item. When you complete the exercise,check your answer with the answer key that follows. Ifyou answer any item incorrectly, study again that part ofthe lesson that contains the portion involved.

1. How is the air temperature affected when aninversion 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 densestsmoke?

A. Low humidity.B. Moderate humidity.C. High humidity.D. Arid condition.

4. Which smoke pot comes equipped with a manualmatchhead and an electrical squib ignition?

A. M18.B. M4A2.C. M5.D. M7A1.

5. In what condition should the area be aroundstacked smoke pots?

A. Undisturbed.B. Covered with nets.C. Covered with vegetation.D. Cleared of flammable material.

6. Which type of smoke screen increases thesurvivability of friendly forces without seriouslyreducing visibility?

A. Haze.B. Blanket.C. Curtain.D. Streamer.

7. Which factor determines where smoke generatorsmust 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 firstleaves a smoke device?

A. Streamer.B. Buildup.C. Uniform.D. Terminal.

10. What spacing is required for ABC-M5 smoke potsto produce a smoke haze under neutral conditions in awooded area with winds of 12 kilometers per hour?

A. 50 metes.B. 70 meters.C. 250 metes.D. 350 meters.

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Lesson 1

Practice ExerciseAnswer Key and Feedback

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Lesson 2

Determine Smoke Pot RequirementsCritical 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 smokepot requirement, including determinant ofburning time, length of front, and number ofpositions required for a company-level operation.

Standards: Demonstrate competency of the task skillsand knowledge by responding to the multiple-choice test covering the procedures forcalculating smoke pot requirements.

References: The material contained in this lesson wasderived from FM 3-50 and TB CML 100.

IntroductionThe three formulas for calculating smoke pot

requirements are smoke pot positions, smoke pots perposition, and total smoke pots required. You must havethe type of terrain, temperature gradient, wind speed, typescreen (blanket or haze), target width, duration of mission,and type of smoke pot to calculate smoke potrequirements.

Smoke Pot Positions FormulaTo 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 positionto the next, you must include your own position. (Insteadof starting with 0 you start with 1.) P = (TW/PS) + 1

Smoke Pots Per Position FormulaTo determine the number of smoke pots for each

position (P/P), you divide the mission time (MT) by theminimum burn time (BT). (Always round up decimals

when calculating smoke pots per positions on the premisethat it is better to have more smoke than not enough.) PP= MT/ BT

Total Smoke Pots Required FormulaTo determine the total number of smoke pots required

(TP), multiply the smoke pot positions (P) by the pots perposition (P/P). TP = P x P/PExample: The mission is as follows: You must lay

smoke from 1000 hours to 1130 hours. Typeof smoke pots to be used is ABC-M5. Windspeed is 8 kilometers per hour. Type ofcoverage needed is a blanket. Target width is200 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 betweenpositions, 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, andadd 1. Positions needed equal 9.)

Step 5. Determine how many pots are needed in eachposition. (Divide the time required for the mission (MT)of 90 minutes by the minimum burning time (BT) of 12minutes using the ABC-M5 smoke pots; round updecimals of .5 or more. Pots needed in each positionequal 8)

Step 6. Determine the total number of pots requiredfor the mission (TP).

(Multiply the number of positions (P) by the numberof pots per position (P/P). 9 x 8 = 72 smoke pots needed.

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Figure 13. Wind speed estimate.

Figure 14. Temperature gradient condition.

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

Figure 16. Smoke pot characteristics.

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Lesson 2

Practice Exercise

The following items will test your grasp of thematerial covered in this lesson. There is only one correctanswer for each item. When you complete the exercise,check your answer with the answer key that follows. Ifyou answer any item incorrectly, study again that part ofthe lesson that contains the portion involved.

NOTE:To answer questions 1 through 6, refer to thesituation below and the figures provided inlesson 2.

Situation: Your unit has been given the requirementto establish a smoke line using M4A2 smoke pots in openterrain. The wind speed is 16 Kilometers per hour, andthe temperature gradient is neutral. The target area is 800meters wide, and your unit is to provide a smoke haze forthree hours.

1. How many smoke pots will be required for eachposition?

A. 10.B. 18.C. 20.D. 22

2. How many smoke pot positions will beestablished?

A. 11.B. 20.C. 21.D. 30.

3. What is the minimum burning time (in minutes)for the smoke pot to be used?

A. 10.B. 12.C. 15.D. 22.

4. What is the spacing requirement in meters?

A. 15.B. 20.C. 30.D. 40.

5. What is the distance to the near edge of the targetin relation to the spacing requirement?

A. 150.B. 200.C. 250.D. 300.

6. What is the total number of smoke pots requiredto complete the mission?

A. 377.B. 180.C. 270.D. 378.

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Lesson 2

Practice Exercise

Answer Key and Feedback

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Lesson 3

Ignite Smoke PotsCritical 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 potsby manual and electrical methods.

Standards: Demonstrate competency of the task skillsand knowledge by responding to the multiple-choice test covering the procedures for ignitingsmoke pots by manual and electrical methods.

References: The material contained in this lesson wasderived from TB CML 100.

IntroductionPrior to igniting any smoke pot, you must first

understand the safety precautions to be observed duringthe handling and use of smoke pots. Keep in mind thesafety precautions listed below whenever smoke pots arerequired.

When igniting a smoke pot manually, keep yourhead well to one side on the top of the pot and out of theway of sparks or flame.

Do NOT use the pull ring or safety pin on thefuze for lifting or handling smoke pots.

Vent a burning-type (HC) smoke pots M4A2 andABC M5, for at least five minutes within 24 hours beforeigniting by removing adhesive tape from the two ventholes in the inside cover. Recover the holes with adhesivetape before firing the smoke pots.

Use a 4-to 6-foot pole when moving a misfiredpot immediately following the first ignition attempt. Afterfive minutes, the misfired pot can be moved safely byhand.

When authorized to destroy smoke pots toprevent enemy use, be sure that smoke from the pots doesnot interfere with the operations of nearby tactical units.

Wear a protective mask when exposed to a highconcentration of HC smoke, when exposed for aprolonged period to an ordinary field concentration ofHC, or when exposed for a prolonged period to a highconcentration of SGF2.

When training with smoke pots, takeprecautionary measures against accidental fires.

Methods of Igniting Smoke PotsThere are currently three methods of igniting smoke

pots. These are single ignition, multiple ignition, andchain ignition. During single ignition, the smoke pots arefired one at a time, either by mechanical or electricalmeans. For multiple ignition, several smoke pots or a lineof smoke pots are ignited simultaneously at differentlocations. An electric firing circuit is normally used toaccomplish multiple ignition. Chain ignition is theigniting of smoke pots that are placed end to end eithervertically or horizontally. Initial firing of chain-ignitedsmoke pots can be either mechanical or electrical. Onceignited, the heat generated by one burning pot will ignitethe next smoke pot and provide smoke for a longer periodof time than is possible by using a single smoke pot.However, the total burning time is slightly less than thetotal burning time would be if the smoke pots were burnedsingly. This occurs because the heat from the first smokepot ignites the next smoke pot before the first smoke pot iscompletely burned out.

Figure 17. Manual ignition.

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Procedures for the Manualand Electrical Ignition

of Smoke PotsThe 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.

WARNINGThe M4A2 floating smoke pots must be vented for at

least five minutes within 24 hours before firing. This isdone by removing the adhesive tape from two of thethree vent holes in the inside cover. Recover the ventholes with adhesive tape prior to firing. Never lift thesmoke pot by safety pin.

Figure 19. Pulling the safety pin.

Figure 18. Electrical ignition.

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Lesson 3

Practice Exercise

The following items will test your grasp of thematerial covered in this lesson. There is only one correctanswer for each item. When you complete the exercise,check your answer with the answer key that follows. Ifyou answer any item incorrectly, study again that part ofthe lesson that contains the portion involved.

1. Which smoke pot must be vented prior to use?

A. M1.B. M4A2.C. M7A.D. M18.

2. How many minutes must you wait beforeattempting to move a misfired smoke pot by hand?

A. 20.B. 15.C. 10.D. 5.

3. Which smoke pot can be ignited manually orelectrically as is?

A. M1.B. M4A2.C. M5.D. M7A1.

4. How is manual ignition accomplished?

A. Using the scratcher block.B. Pulling the tear strip.C. Firing the squib.D. Using a BA30 battery.

5. When electrically igniting the ABC-M5 smoke pot,what is the maximum length of the connecting wires?

A. 100 feet.B. 10 meters.C. 10 feet.D. 5 feet.

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Lesson 3

Practice ExerciseAnswer Key and Feedback

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