2.2.COMMAND IED s Command IEDs allow an armed group to retain full control over the IED until the moment it is initiated. This key characteristic provides advantages by reducing the possibility of the device inadvertently initiating and causing unintentional casualties. It also means that resources are not wasted. Maintaining control of the IED enables freedom of movement for the armed group that placed the IED, but not for their opponents. • The principle advantage of all command IEDs is that the device can be initiated at the optimum moment. • The principle disadvantage of all command IEDs is that they must be continually observed by someone who has control and can function the device at the required moment.
There are many different types of command IED. The main division is between physical and non-physical link command IEDs. This guide provides specific details of:
• Non-physical link – radio controlled IEDs (RCIEDs)
• Physical link – command wire IEDs
• Physical link – command pull IEDs
2.2.1.RCIED s
RCIEDs use a radio frequency (RF) transmission to initiate an IED with no requirement for a physical link between the firing point and contact point.
Key advantages include:
• The firer is not restricted to a single fixed point to initiate the IED;
• Can be deployed very quickly with no requirement to emplace a physical link;
• Reduced possibility of a follow-up attack on the individuals at the firing point.
Key disadvantages include:
• Can be affected by jamming, preventing it from functioning as intended;
• Can be subject to spurious or deliberately generated RF signals, causing the IED to detonate;
• Requires access to suitable technology and training.
The following series of images shows an RCIED with a directional fragmentation charge located at a vulnerable point (VP) created by a slowdown point (sharp bend) and an adjacent aiming marker (tree).
ׁ WARNING. The scenario is set in the context of the IED having recently been emplaced. MA organisations would be responding to this type of IED only if it was abandoned after the conflict.
IED tactics
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