[pmulcahy11b]

One of the biggest effects of minefields is fear -- and even one mine can do that, make you afraid to take another step. You have no idea if it's a random mine that's left over or if you managed to stumble into the middle of a minefield, and your next step could be your last. So you have to carefully work your way back out again, of slowly check for mines as you work your way forward. And you may not be sure when you've reached the end of the field. Something like that can be paralyzing, or at least slow your advance considerably or even stop it while you back out and look for another way around the area.