Definition : an EXPLOSIVE is a mixture or chemical compound, which, when subjected to sufficient heat, shock, or friction, undergoes a sudden chemical change with the liberation of energy and the development of high gas pressure . Explosives are classified as high or low explosives, depending upon the rate at which this reaction takes place .
High Explosives : High Explosives are those which change almost instantaneously from a solid to a gaseous state ! This gaseous change of state is known as detonation . When a high explosive is set off, a wave, called detonating wave, set up by heat or shock, runs through the whole mass of explosive, changing its particles to gases almost instantaneously . These gases occupying an abnormally small space, and under tremendous pressure, naturally expand, and in so doing, they tend to overcome the resistance of anything which opposes expansion . The result is a sudden shattering blow on the immediate surroundings !
Low Explosives : Low Explosives (such as black and smokeless powder) are those which change relatively slowly from a solid to a gaseous state . The particles of such explosives burn in rapid succession, the heat from burning particles, igniting adjacent particles until all of the explosive is consumed . This process of progressive burning is called deflagration . The transfer of heat takes place so slowly that, when the explosive is set off in the open, the gases push aside the air without making appreciable disturbances . In confinement, the speed of the reaction is somewhat increased . However, the explosion has a pushing and rending, rather than a shattering effect . Therefore, the principal military uses for low explosives are as propelling charges (for projectiles) and powder trains (in time fuzes) .
| High Explosive, ½ Pound (Net) TNT Blocks (yellow label + red/black markings) | 
| High Explosive, 1 Pound (Net), TNT Blocks (dark green label + black/red markings) |
AMMUNITION
Definition : AMMUNITION
is a general term applying to missiles
dropped or thrown by hand, and pyrotechnics, as well as projectiles propelled
by a charge of powder . Depending upon its general characteristics and methods
of use, Ammunition is grouped into different basic types . Small-Arms Ammunition : cartridges and shotgun shells used in small-arms weapons .
Grenades : explosive and chemical missiles thrown by hand or projected by rifles, guns, or special
projectors .
Antitank Mines : explosive mines usually laid in advance positions as a protection against mechanized
attack .
Mortar Ammunition : explosive and chemical ammunition used in mortars
commonly known as trench mortars .
Artillery Ammunition : explosive and chemical ammunition used in cannon
of all calibers .
Bombs : explosive and chemical missiles designed for release from aircraft .
Pyrotechnics : ammunition designed to produce brilliant or colored lights for
illumination or signaling purposes .
Remark : Ammunition is classified
according to use as service – practice – blank or drill; it may further be
classified according to the kind of filler, as explosive, chemical or inert .
Every ammunition item is completely identified by painting, marking, and
accompanying data cards or tags . Small-arms ammunition can be carton-packed,
clipped, belted or linked . Wooden boxes are either stained brown with yellow
markings, or unstained wood with black markings . Olive-drab painted boxes with
yellow markings may also be encountered .
“Sgt A.S. Vilinsky”
