4.6. INFORMATION GAINED FROM SIGNS In order for MA staff to make an accurate analysis of the information gained from signs, it is important that they have detailed knowledge of the IED threat including the techniques, tactics and procedures that were used by parties to an armed conflict. MA organisations should ensure that staff receive a comprehensive national threat analysis brief when joining a new programme and that operational updates are regularly provided.
ׁ HINT. Examples of when an IED sign has been used as evidence in decision making should be shared widely and in a timely manner.
TACTICS AND DOCTRINE
A thorough understanding of the IED tactics and doctrine of the parties to an armed conflict that were active during a conflict will significantly influence how MA staff can use signs to the best effect in decision making. For example, if defensive belts were commonly used to deny ground, and signs are identified that link to this tactic, a confirmed hazardous area can be defined and categorised with a high level of confidence.
IED TRAITS
These are the attributes that different IEDs are likely to provide in terms of signs. For example, a pressure plate as part of a VOIED stacked directly over a main charge is likely to provide different traits than if a pressure plate is located where a vehicle wheel would pass and the main charge is located directly underneath the likely centre of the vehicle.
INFORMATION GAINED
Depending on the condition of the sign, the following information can be gained:
• Numbers / density of IEDs.
• Type of main charges (blast / fragmentation / directional).
• Type of switches / power sources.
• Layout of components in relation to each other.
• Position of components in relation to the physical terrain of a vulnerable point (VP).
IED signs
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