Some IEDs may also include enhancements such as a safe-to-arm switch that increases safety for the person that emplaces the device. Safe-to-arm switches include timers (mechanical and electronic), twisted electrical leads, command wire and radio control receivers. Safe-to-arm switches should be considered during the planning of render safe procedures (RSPs). ׁ REMEMBER. Like all explosive ordnance, an IED contains an explosive train, which is a succession of initiating and igniting elements arranged in such a way as to cause a charge to function. The normal configuration is: initiator > booster charge (if required) > main charge. A thorough understanding of the explosive train used in an IED can inform an effective RSP, thereby minimising risk to the MA IEDD operator. 1.2. IED CATEGORISATION There are three main categories of IED associated with MA IED clearance: time, command and victim operated (VO). There are an additional three categories that are worth noting, for reporting purposes: combination / multi switch, hoax and false. Details are as follows: • Time . This is an IED designed to function at a predetermined moment in time. It could be a short delay for an improvised hand-thrown grenade or long delay targeting a high-profile event. • Command . This is an IED that remains under the control of an armed actor and is activated by them completing a specific action. Often, this means that the device can be activated ‘at the optimum moment’. It may be physically linked (e.g. command wire, command pull) or non- physically linked (e.g. a radio-controlled device). • Victim operated . This is an IED that functions through an action made by the victim, normally either through contact (e.g. a pressure plate or tripwire) or influence (e.g. passive infrared (PIR) sensor). Victim operated IEDs (VOIED) can cause a significant number of unintended casualties as they can remain viable for a long period of time after the conflict has ended. This category of device is the one most likely to be encountered in significant numbers during MA operations. It should be noted that a VOIED may also fall under the definition of an AP mine. • Combination / multi switch . This type of IED incorporates multiple types of firing switches (e.g. a victim operated IED armed by a radio control that enables specific targeting and mitigates against jamming). A single IED can also have multiple switches of the same type (e.g. two or more different pressure plates or multiple crush wires). • Hoax . These are designed to resemble a viable IED in order to achieve a desired effect. Normally they are physical (i.e. an actual object) but can also be non physical and simply rely on fear (e.g. a coded warning for a prominent event). MA organisations may encounter physical hoax devices during survey and clearance operations. • False . Not all suspect items turn out to be viable devices. Searchers / deminers will regularly identify wires and other objects that resemble components of IEDs but turn out to be innocuous after more detailed investigation by an MA IEDD operator.
General considerations for IED clearance
18
Powered by FlippingBook