The visual search techniques for IEDs look for the presence of the abnormal. This is also referred to as the absence of the normal. This can be a ground sign or top sign and is commonly referred to through the following characteristics: 1. Regularity. Regularity is a straight line, arch or other geometrical shape that would not normally be encountered in nature. 2. Flattening. Flattening is caused through human actions that apply pressure to an area. These can be identified through comparison with the immediate surroundings. 3. Transfer. Transfer or transference is a deposit (e.g. dust, sand, soil, mud) carried unintentionally from one area to another. 4. Discardables. Discardables are items associated with IEDs (or other EO) that have been left behind either intentionally or otherwise. Discardables can include IED components, electrical tape, packaging or ancillaries . 5. Colour change. Colour change is the difference in colour from a specific area to its surroundings. Colour change may be produced by soil excavation to place devices or where vegetation has been cut and used to camouflage devices; the cut vegetation changes colour as it ages. 6. Disturbance. Disturbance is a change or rearrangement of the normal state of an area caused by the emplacement of a suspicious object.
3.2.1. LONG-DISTANCE VISUAL SEARCH
Image 3. Conducting visual search with binoculars
Opportunities should be sought to conduct a visual search as a preliminary measure over a broader area before moving into specific search lane(s). The use of optics such as binoculars should be considered to visually search the ground and surroundings, including upper levels if present, and the mid to longer distances, with vantage points used if available. As the search progresses this process should be repeated.
ׁ HINT. Long-distance visual search using optics may identify indicators that are not apparent to the naked eye or if concentrating only on the near to mid distance. This may include regularities in lines of emplaced IEDs that have been laid as defensive belts.
An example of an opportunity for long-distance visual search is discussed in Chapter 2, Section 2 of this guide: Search task planning and execution – ‘360-degree observation’.
Search core skills and procedures
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