APOBS Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System

The Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System (APOBS) is an explosive line charge system that allows safe breaching through complex antipersonnel obstacles, particularly fields of land mines. The Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System is joint DOD program for the U.S. Army and the United States Marine Corps. It originated as an operational requirements document published by the US Army Engineer School, Fort Leonard Wood, MO. The joint requirements document was subsequently signed by the Army and Marines 11 April 1994. The system was developed by the US Army REDCOM-ARDEC, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, and produced by Ensign-Bickford Aerospace and Defense. The Mk 7 Mod 1 was fielded in 2002, and the Mod 2 in 2006. The APOBS is used to conduct deliberate or hasty breaches through enemy antipersonnel minefields and multi-strand wire obstacles. It is light enough to be carried by two soldiers with backpacks and can be deployed within 30 to 120 seconds. Video by SSgt Joseph Vigil & Sgt Jacklewski