This begins an intermittent series on weapons that are particularly adaptable to Special Operations Low Intensity Conflict (SOLIC) situations or so-called 'zombie wars'.
The M18A1 mine is primarily a defensive weapon. It may be employed to a limited extent in certain phases of offensive operations. The M18A1 has the same basic capabilities as antipersonnel mines and can be used in most situations where other types of antipersonnel mines are employed. In addition, the M18A1 has the capability of being sighted directionally to provide fragmentation over a specific area and does not necessarily rely upon chance detonation by the enemy. The M18A1 is adaptable for covering the ranges between maximum hand grenade throwing distance and the minimum safe distance of mortar and artillery supporting fires.
The front face containing the steel fragments is designed to produce a fan-shaped spray which can be aimed at a prescribed target area. The picture above is of the earlier M18 (notice there is no peep sight for sighting the weapon when you emplace it).
One of the benefits of using a Claymore mine is that it can be command detonated electrically by an M57 firing device or it can be activated remotely by a target (booby trap). These weapons are particularly effective in a wooded environment when they are strung in trees, firing down on an enemy and detonated simultaneously.