C4 is a moldable RDX-based plastic explosive used for demolition, obstacle reduction, and explosive breaching. Army records tie it to the M112 demolition block, while Philippine government forces used it in Marawi to make mouseholes through fortified buildings during close urban clearing.
Philippine government forces used C4 plastic explosive during the 2017 Battle of Marawi to create mouseholes through buildings as they adapted to dense urban clearing.
Army records describe C4 less as loose bulk stock and more as a charge filler built into standard demolition packages.
| Form | Documented detail | Unit cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| M112 demolition block | 1.25 lb of Composition C4; the Army portfolio book dates it to March 1989 and calls it the primary block demolition charge presently in use. | Not listed in that snapshot | PEO Ammunition 2017 Portfolio Book |
| FY 2002 procurement line | Army ammunition budget materials list CHG DEMO BLK COMP C-4 1-1/4 LB M112 as an active line item. | About $14.76 each | FY 2002 Army Ammunition Budget Justification |
C4 appears inside the Claymore body as the mine's internal explosive layer.
| Carrier | Carrier type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Directional anti-personnel mine | ODIN notes that the M18A1 Claymore mine contains a layer of C-4 explosive behind the fragmentation face. |
Army records place M112 C-4 demolition charges inside the M183 demolition charge assembly.
| Carrier | Carrier type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Satchel charge assembly | The Army portfolio book says the M183 assembly consists of 16 M112 C-4 demolition charges and four priming assemblies. Sources: PEO Ammunition 2017 Portfolio Book |
Army fact sheet material ties C4 to the M58 line charge used by MICLIC.
| Carrier | Carrier type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Linear demolition charge | The MICLIC fact sheet says the M58 linear demolition charge is 350 feet long and contains 700 C4 block charges in three 100-foot sections and one 50-foot section. Sources: MICLIC Fact Sheet |
The Marine anthology describes MICLIC launching C4 during the Now Zad breach.
| Launcher | Launcher type | Launch evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Rocket-propelled explosive line-charge breaching system | The anthology says MICLIC launched 1,700 pounds of C4 in Now Zad. |
The Army portfolio book lists the M112 demolition block as the primary block demolition charge presently in use and gives it an MR date of March 1989.
Sources: PEO Ammunition 2017 Portfolio Book
Army ammunition budget materials list CHG DEMO BLK COMP C-4 1-1/4 LB M112, showing the charge remained a recurring procurement line item.
Sources: FY 2002 Army Ammunition Budget Justification
