"The threat from influence naval mines that activate on a vessel's magnetic field signature has existed for more than 70 years. In the early days of magnetic mine warfare, influence sweeping and the reduction of a ship's underwater magnetic field signature decreased her susceptibility to this threat. More recently, active mine-hunting systems have been developed to improve efficiency and reliability in clearing a minefield. However too much emphasis has been placed on hunting, which obscures the warfighting payoff of influence sweeping and signature reduction. We need to bring back into focus the importance of a balanced approach.