With the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a new term was quickly introduced into America's vocabulary -

IED, or Improvised Explosive Device.

Generally, the term refers to an explosive device, such as a bomb or mortar round, that was rigged to detonate either on command, usually by using a remote device to set it off, or that is set off by a vehicle driving over it or a soldier touching it much like a landmine would.

The following should act as a quick introduction about IEDs for soldiers.
 

What are IEDs?

Improvised Explosive Devices are the enemy's current main weapon, and most often consist of a cluster of three or more artillery rounds that are daisy-chained together using wires. They are usually set off by a wireless device such as a cell phone, garage door opener, or any other device that can be used to remote-control an item.

Because the majority of Improvised Explosive Devices are command detonated, which means someone with the remote device has to be nearby to set it off, the person who's set it off will be in the close area after an IED explosion. He generally will try to run and blend in with the local crowd, which will make it difficult to locate him.

Improvised Explosive Devices are neither difficult, nor time consuming to set up for the insurgents. IEDs are prepared at a remote location, and transported to an ambush site later where they are set up. Because the soil in large parts of Iraq is very soft, digging holes to place the IEDs in does not take much time. The average time for a chain of IEDs to be set up is about ten minutes.
 

What do do if you see or suspect an IED

When you encounter a suspicious item laying in the road, or being half-buried at the site of the road and you suppose it might be an improvised explosive device, do the smart thing: stay away.

You absolutely, positively do not want to go up to it, touch it, poke it with your foot, take photos, or simply "take a closer look." Doing any of the above could get you injured, or worse, killed.

Just like with any kind of explosives, exercise common sense when you encounter an IED. Draw back from the device, and note its location, then pass that information on, and let EOD come out and do their job.
 

Power Point IED Brief

Please click here to download a Power Point briefing on IEDs.

You will require Microsoft Power Point to view the briefing. It includes color photos of IEDs, as well as loads of information that all soldiers and units should be aware of. If your unit does not have this or a newer briefing on IEDs, please share it and pass it on!