Throughout a vehicle clearance task, the MA IEDD operator will switch between disposal and searching multiple times depending on the stage of the task and the equipment available. When to switch between the two disciplines is driven by what is currently presenting the largest threat. When a device has been confirmed, this should be dealt with first (not necessarily in its entirety, but to a point where it is safe), before searching to investigate ‘suspicions’. The logical stages for vehicle clearance are broken down below. It must be stressed that these are not rigidly sequential and the MA IEDD operator can move between stages depending on the threat, equipment available and how the task is developing.
STAGE 1 – EOR
EOR should be conducted from a safe distance using an ROV, UAV and / or optics, depending on their availability and the nature of the environment in which the vehicle is located. With some vehicles there may have been no attempt to hide its intended use, as with the armoured suicide VBIEDs.
STAGE 2 – REMOTE
If available, as much of the clearance as possible should initially be conducted with an ROV. The priority is to take remote disposal actions on any known IED and then a remote search of the main load carrying areas (MLCAs) consisting of the trunk, footwells, seats and if applicable the spare wheel well. These should be searched in an order of priority based on where the threat assessment indicates the most likely location of IED components to be. This stage should include opening all doors and as many internal storage compartments as possible.
STAGE 3 – SEMI-REMOTE
The extent of the semi-remote stage will depend on what has been achieved through remote means. Even with the most sophisticated ROV it is typically not possible to achieve all actions remotely and there will usually be an element of semi-remote techniques required. In mine action, ROVs may not be available at all, or not have sufficient capabilities to conduct much in terms of remote clearance. It is likely that the MA IEDD operator will need to make multiple manual approaches and they must now balance the threat from the known, with the potential threat from the unknown. To do this correctly, a thorough threat assessment is imperative. There will need to be an element of search conducted by the MA IEDD operator to safely work around the vehicle. The skills and techniques outlined in Chapter 2 should be followed. H&L will be the primary tool used in this stage of vehicle clearance and in the context of MA this may be the primary tool used throughout a vehicle clearance task. Good H&L skills will enable even the most difficult items to be moved or opened. Small amounts of explosives, such as a length of detonating cord, can also be used to aid in opening areas of concealment. H&L can also be used in conjunction with an ROV to produce more expedient results when there are a lot of small items to be removed from the vehicle. The MA IEDD operator can attach multiple short lines (often referred to as lazy lines) to each object. The line only needs to run to a place where the ROV can grab it easily with its manipulator. This could be to outside the vehicle or somewhere convenient within the vehicle. Balls of tape can be attached to the other end to aid the manipulator to grab the line.
IEDD techniques and procedures
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