3.1.6. RC DEVICES AND COUNTER-MEASURES
Image 26. An RCIED placed at an access gate. Note how difficult it is to see the yellow antenna which runs up the gate post (highlighted in red)
Armed groups use RCIEDs due to the advantages they offer, and their use has become more common as the availability of the required technology has increased. There is now a multitude of transmitters (Tx) and receivers (Rx), operating over a wide range of frequencies, commonly incorporated into RCIEDs. These can be commercial items which have been modified, or entirely custom-made Tx and Rx that have no other purpose than for use in an IED. The use of RC is not limited to solely initiating an IED, it can be used in conjunction with other types of firing switches, for example arming a VOIED. It can also be used as a backup, or secondary switch, such as for a suicide IED. Whilst humanitarian IEDD operators should not be working in areas where active targeting using RCIEDs is occurring, they are likely to be called upon to dispose of abandoned RCIEDs. RCIEDs have an inherent risk of unintentional initiation from spurious radio frequencies or an innocent third party coincidentally using a matched Tx. An example of this would be a mobile phone used as the Rx in an RCIED, receiving a promotional text which functions the device. Armed groups may take steps to try and prevent this, but the effectiveness of these measures cannot be guaranteed. MA organisations may want to consider the use of electronic counter-measures (ECM) as a means of controlling the RF environment and preventing an unintentional explosion. ECMs have primarily been utilised by the security forces, but their utility is recognised by other organisations. As such, commercial ECM options are available for purchase. A threat analysis / threat assessment and equipment requirement assessment should be conducted before purchasing ECM equipment.
ׁ REMEMBER. Different ECM equipment covers different RC threats. Use the correct equipment for the threat.
IEDD task conduct
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