Environmental elements can obliterate the surface identification (ID) features from ammunition items that are necessary to determine the exact nomenclature. Two examples where this is very apparent are the M28 HE and the M29 Practice versions of the U.S. 3.5-inch rocket. When surface markings (stencils, stamps) have been stripped from the 3.5-inch rocket by the effects of years of exposure to the elements, there are no other identifying external features to positively distinguish between all models of M28 Series High Explosive (HE) Rockets with M404 Series Base Detonating (BD) fuzes and the M29 Series Practice Rockets with M405 Dummy Fuze.

Notwithstanding, unreferenced claims about using a crimped ogive or square bore riding pin holes to ascertain correct ordnance type; using an x-ray is the only positive method I have encountered to distinguish between fuze models of 3.5-inch rockets that have sustained surface deterioration due to sustained exposure to nature's elements.

[More]

UXOInfo.com welcomes Mr. Terry Collins as a UXO Guest Author to the website and UXO E-Newsletter. For more information on the UXO Guest Author Program visit the Guest Author Page.

Overview of Mine Action and UXO Operational Experience

Terry Collins served in the United States Marine Corps from 1981 thru 1992. He is a combat veteran honorably discharged after 10 years of service at the rank of Staff Sergeant (E6). During his military career he graduated from several military schools including; US Navy NAVSCHEOD, USMC Infantry School, US Army Basic Airborne, US Army Ammunition Technician School, USMC NCO and Staff NCO academies. Terry has continued to work in the munitions clearance industry after discharge from the Marines.

[More]