Counter-IED Training Prepares Soldiers for Unexpected.

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 13:27:52 -0500

I don't know much about IED bombs except they have killed and maimed a lot of troops. Maybe some of you more experienced in IED training have some answers. I read this article and it's interesting, but if I understood IED's more it would be more interesting. I'm guessing at first the IED's were crude but effective. Now, they are more improvised to be less easy to detect. That's what I understand from this article, and how to detect them more scientifically. Please correct me if I'm wrong. One last thing. Whatever can be done to prevent more loss of life and limbs needs to be done yesterday.
And now to the rest of the story:
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FORT BELVOIR, Va. — The Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Agency (JIDA) is building a counter-improvised explosive device (IED) training curriculum that prepares US and coalition forces to easily dodge anticipated wrenches thrown in theater.

Looking for buried bombs isn't quite as simple as beachcombing for coins. There are natural and unnatural hurdles in such efforts, and lives are at stake.

http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/training-simulation/2015/11/30/jidas-counter-ied-training-prepares-soldiers-for-unexpected/76380162/

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 4 at 2015 1:31 PM

SGT David T. — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 13:31:31 -0500

I found it was best to avoid them.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2015 1:37 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 13:37:16 -0500

Speaking as a former Combat Engineer, you can never have enough training about IED's.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2015 2:57 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 14:57:24 -0500

True story - I was in a counter-IED class in Kuwait in 2007, and the instructor was taking us through pictures at various setups asking us what we saw.
He brings up a picture, and I started a bit.
"SFC Healy, what do you see in this picture?"
"I see a 122mm round encased in plaster of paris to look like a fragment of curb, with a lead wire attached to the guardrail with electrical tape."
He looks at the picture again. "You see all that?"
"Yes, Sergeant. I took the picture in 2005."