Tactical Manual: Small Unit Tactics by Alexander Max

Author:Alexander, Max [Alexander, Max]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-03-13T16:00:00+00:00

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are not covered extensively in this TM, but are summarized here. The IED threat outlined is generalized to asymmetric warfare and taken from the historical threat on OIF/OEF in Iraq and Afghanistan. The following is an account of general threats:

IEDs come in various sizes and the effectiveness of an IED depends on large part as a function of size and placement, as well as accurate targeting. IEDs can be connected in a ‘daisy chain’ and usually placed to match the anticipated spacing of vehicles in convoys, to cause maximum damage. IEDs can be initiated in a number of ways:

Command Wire (CWIED). A physical connection between the initiation point (Firing point (FP)) and the CWIED itself (Contact Point)); the need for this connection can aid in detection of the device and the FP.

Remote Control (RCIED). The RCIED is detonated remotely using any one of multiple options. It can be anything from a cell phone to a garage door opener. This increases the enemy’s options for placement and FP, without the need to be physically connected to the device. This can make it harder to detect the device.

Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED). Simply put, the IED is inside the vehicle. This type of IED will usually be remotely detonated, or can be on a timer (exception: see SVBIED, below). The VBIED allows for mobility and placement of large IEDs .

Off-Route Mine or Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP): A targeted IED capable of defeating armor:

The EFP is very effective and can defeat many types of armor. The EFP is effectively an ‘off route mine’, using the ‘Miznay-Chardin’ effect to create a molten slug or spray of metal that will pierce armor, causing damaging effects inside the vehicle as it passes through. The Miznay-Chardin effect places explosives behind a metal cone or dish: on detonation, the cone inverts and forms into a slug of metal. This is a similar effect to that used by a standard RPG (the ‘Monroe Effect’), with the exception that an RPG detonates on contact with a vehicle, whereas the EFP goes off several feet away by the side of the road. Whereas an RPG can have its lethal effect dissipated by the use of a mesh cage around vehicle and bunkers, to disrupt the molten jet effect of its warhead, the EFP is harder to defeat and will penetrate through armored vehicles, although it will be disrupted as it passes through parts of an armored vehicle. It is not usually defeated by the use of a cage; an RPG is a contact warhead whereas the EFP is a standoff penetrator.

The effect of an EFP can be devastating but usually limited in scope. An EFP will pass through armor, and there have been multiple circumstances of EFPs causing traumatic lower limb amputation of personnel in the driver and front passenger seats of vehicles, but personnel in other compartments being left unscathed.

EFPs have historically been initiated with the use of an Infra-Red (IR) beam that crosses the road; effectively a tripwire.

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