The Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) program originated as a response to the changing nature of modern warfare. Traditional battlefields have given way to urban and semi-urban environments where adversaries rely increasingly on asymmetric tactics. One of these tactics is the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which are homemade bombs constructed and deployed in ways outside the conventional rules of warfare.
The C-IED program is designed to counter these threats. It was developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to equip the U.S. military, including the Air Force, with the skills and knowledge necessary to detect, avoid, and respond to IED threats. The program encompasses a broad range of measures, including training, technology, intelligence, and operations coordination.
The relevance of C-IED training within the Air Force cannot be overstated. While the Air Force’s primary role is not ground combat, personnel often find themselves in situations where awareness and understanding of IED threats are crucial. This is particularly true in forward operating bases, combat search and rescue missions, or when providing close air support for ground troops.
Moreover, with the evolution of IEDs, threats are not limited to ground scenarios. Adversaries are continuously innovating, and there have been cases of IEDs targeting aircraft, both while on the ground and in flight. Therefore, C-IED training is vital for the Air Force, not just for personnel safety but also to ensure the successful execution of their missions.
Overall, the C-IED program plays a crucial role in maintaining the readiness of the Air Force and enhancing its ability to operate in complex and challenging environments. It helps ensure that all Air Force personnel have the knowledge and skills they need to mitigate the risk posed by IEDs and continue to effectively deliver airpower whenever and wherever it is needed.
Air Force (AF) Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Awareness Answers
| Question | Options | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| During which step of the 5 C’s should you report the IED/UXO by using an Explosive Hazard 9-line Report? | Control, Clear, Check, Cordon | Clear |
| During which step of the 5-C’s should you fill out a 9-line EH Spot Report? | Control, Check, Confirm, Clear | Confirm |
| An explosive are non-explosive triggering device deliberately placed to cause casualties when an apparently harmless object is moved or a normally safe act is performed is called a(n): | Accidental blast, Fuse, Victim-operated device, Booby-trap | Booby-trap |
| Identify one way in which terrorist typically design IEDs to be detonated. | Water reactive, Photon reactive, Chemical mixing, Command-detonated | Command-detonated |
| Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs) are especially dangerous because they _____. | Are place very close to roadways, Are capable of penetrating armor, Are easy to defeat, Are easy to defect | Are capable of penetrating armor |
| Which of these is a true statement about IEDs? | They may be crude of sophisticated, They are made with parts specially procured by the builder, Most builders of IEDs have specialize explosive training, They are always made from military ordnance | They may be crude of sophisticated |
| Select a warning sign of VBIEDs. | No hubcaps and black exhaust smoke, Bright paint job, Vehicle riding high, Visible UXO and wires | Visible UXO and wires |
| What is the one true statement about suicide bombers? | There is no detailed profile, They tend to be female, They tend to be married, They tend to be young and uneducated | There is no detailed profile |
| Identify one thing you can do to protect yourself in a convoy under combat conditions. | Travel in a set pattern, Appear to be in distress, Stay observant, Keep your body armor next to you at all times | Stay observant |
| An IED in plain sight on the road may be a _____ device as part of a hidden attack. | Ruse or hoax, Channeled attack, EFP, Domino attack | Ruse or hoax |
| What is the most prevalent IED threat facing the military today? | Projected IED, Vehicle-borne IED, Roadside bomb, Person borne IED | Roadside bomb |
| What component of an IED is used to start a detonation? | Power source, Initiator, Container, Main Charge | Initiator |
| Which of these is an example of an IED switch? | Electronic circuit, Individual switch, Liquid crystal, Programmable switch | Electronic circuit |
| Identify one factor that determines how a vehicle is chosen for use as a VBIED. | The vehicle must have its seating and truck compartments empty, The vehicle should be rated to carry 8,000 pounds and equipped with a GPS system., The vehicle must have a full tank of gas before approaching the target area, The vehicle should blend in with other vehicles in the target area | The vehicle should blend in with other vehicles in the target area |
| Which of these is an example of an electronic circuit? | A pressure switch, A fuse lit with a match, Wires connected to a power source, A pull cord | Wires connected to a power source |
| Choose one difference between EFPs and other IEDs. | EFPs may be placed farther away from a target than other IEDs, IEDs are used in roadside attacks, EFPs are not capable of penetrating armor | EFPs may be placed farther away from a target than other IEDs |
| Which step of the 5-Cs should you follow the 5/25 rules? | Control, Clear, Check, Cordon | Check |
| Which of these is an example of a victim operated switch? | A pressure switch, A remote control toy, A watch connected to a trigger, A fuse lit with a match | A pressure switch |
| Identify an area that would serve as the MOST effective roadside IED observation point. | An area that is cordoned off, An overpass, An abandoned car, A ditch beside the road | An overpass |
| Which type of IED is used to deliver an explosive charge to a target with a large standoff distance between the firing point and the target? | Vehicle borne IED, Roadside IED, Projected IED, Person borne IED | Projected IED |
| What is one warning sign of a suicide bomber? | A bulky vest on a warm day, A sweatshirt worn inside out, Shoes on a warm day, A tall hat in sunny weather | A bulky vest on a warm day |
| Which one of these actions is on an Explosive Hazard 9-line report? | Building number, Unit designation, Names of personnel, Contact method, Type of vehicle | Contact method |
| Is it recommended to perform the 5 C’s simultaneously? | Yes, No | Yes |
| What is part of the Clear step when an IED is discovered? | Establish 360 degree control, Move IED to a safe area, Check for CBRNE contamination, Report IED/UXO | Report IED/UXO |
AF Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-ied) Awareness Post-Test Answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which type of IED is used to deliver an explosive charge to a target with a large standoff distance between the firing point and the target? | Projected IED |
| During which step of the 5-Cs should you fill out a 9-line EH Spot Report? | Confirm |
| Which one of these actions is on an Explosive hazard 9-line report? | Contact method |
| Choose one difference between EFPs and other IEDs. | EFPs may be placed further away from a target then other IEDs. |
| Is it recommended to perform the 5 C’s simultaneously? | Yes |
| What is the most prevalent IED threat facing the military today? | Roadside bomb |
| An IED in plain sight on the road may be a ____ device as part of a hidden attack. | Ruse or hoax |
| Identify one factor that determines how a vehicle is chosen for use as a VBIED. | The Vehicle should blend in with other vehicles in the target area. |
| Which of these is an example of a time switch? | A fuse lit with a match |
| Which of these is NOT a primary version of a Roadside IED attack? | Multifaceted IED attack |
| Which component is common to IEDs? | Switch |
| Identify an area that would serve as the MOST effective Roadside IED observation point. | An overpass |
| Identify one thing you can do to protect yourself in a convoy under combat conditions. | Stay observant |
| Which of these is not an IED warning sign? | A vehicle in a reserved parking spot |
| During which step of the 6 C’s should you report the IED/UXO by using an Explosive Hazard 9-line Report? | Clear |
| What is a part of the Clear step when an IED is discovered? | Report IED/UXO |
| Identify one way in which terrorists typically design IEDs to be detonated. | Command-detonated |
| Which step of the 5-C’s should you follow the 5/25 rule? | Check |
| Which of these is an example of a victim operated switch? | A pressure plate |
| Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs) are especially dangerous because they _____. | Are capable of penetrating armor |
| An explosive or non-explosive triggering device deliberately placed to cause casualties when an apparently harmless object is moved or a normally safe act is performed is called a(n): | Booby-trap |
| Select a warning sign of VBIEDs. | Visible UXO and wires |
| Which of these is a true statement about IEDs? | They may be crude or sophisticated. |
Understanding Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are defined as homemade devices that are designed to cause damage or harm by releasing explosive energy. They are typically constructed from readily available materials, and they can vary greatly in terms of size, design, and destructive potential.
IEDs are often used by insurgents, terrorists, and other non-state actors who may not have access to conventional military weapons. These devices are usually concealed or camouflaged to avoid detection and can be deployed in a variety of settings, including urban areas and combat zones.
Common Types of IEDs
There are numerous types of IEDs, but some of the most common include:
- Vehicle-Borne IEDs (VBIEDs): These devices are hidden inside vehicles and can be either stationary (parked and left to explode) or mobile (driven to the target location before detonation). The use of a vehicle allows for a larger quantity of explosives to be used, thereby increasing the potential for damage and casualties.
- Person-Borne IEDs (PBIEDs): These are explosives carried by an individual, either on their body or in a personal item. Suicide bombings are a well-known form of PBIEDs.
- Roadside IEDs: These are often hidden near or on roadways to target military patrols or convoys. They can be triggered by a variety of methods, such as remote detonation or victim-operated triggers (e.g., pressure plates).
- Package or Letter Bombs: These are smaller devices concealed in packages, envelopes, or even everyday objects. They are designed to explode upon opening or tampering.
Over the years, IEDs have been responsible for numerous incidents involving military personnel. Some of the most notable include:
- Iraq and Afghanistan Wars: The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan saw extensive use of IEDs by insurgents. They were the leading cause of death and injury to U.S. and coalition forces in these conflicts. Particularly memorable was the period around 2006-2007 in Iraq when IED attacks peaked.
- The Beirut Barracks Bombings (1983): In one of the earliest and deadliest instances of a VBIED attack, 241 U.S. and 58 French military personnel were killed when two truck bombs struck separate buildings housing multinational forces in Beirut, Lebanon.
- The USS Cole Bombing (2000): A small craft laden with explosives rammed into the USS Cole, a guided-missile destroyer, while it was harbored and being refueled in Yemen’s Aden harbor. Seventeen American sailors were killed, and 39 were injured. This attack underlined the naval vulnerability to IED tactics.
These incidents underscore the destructive power of IEDs and their impact on military operations, thus highlighting the importance of comprehensive and ongoing C-IED training.
The Necessity of C-IED Awareness
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) pose significant risks and threats to military personnel and civilian populations alike. Their destructive power, ease of construction, and the ability to deploy them with little to no warning make IEDs a preferred weapon for non-state actors and insurgents.
These devices can cause severe physical injuries, including loss of limbs and life, and they also have profound psychological impacts. Additionally, they have the capacity to inflict substantial infrastructure damage and disrupt military operations.
Another major risk associated with IEDs is their unpredictability. As they are improvised, IEDs can come in many shapes and sizes, from small handheld devices to large vehicle-borne explosives. Their triggering mechanisms also vary widely, making it a challenge to detect and neutralize them.
The Role Of C-IED In Enhancing Safety And Security
C-IED training plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety and security of military personnel. It prepares service members to understand, detect, avoid, and respond to IED threats, thereby reducing the likelihood of casualties. This training typically involves instruction in recognizing potential IEDs, understanding their deployment tactics, learning preventive measures, and rehearsing reactions to potential IED threats.
C-IED efforts also extend beyond training to include the development and application of technology for detection and neutralization of IEDs, gathering and analyzing intelligence to understand and disrupt IED networks, and coordinating with local communities and international partners to enhance broader security efforts.
Statistics Showcasing The Effectiveness Of C-IED Training
Quantifying the effectiveness of C-IED training can be challenging as success often means the absence of an event – an IED incident that didn’t happen. However, evidence indicates that such training significantly enhances troops’ survival rates and mission success.
For example, a study by the Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) reported that in Afghanistan, the casualty rate from IEDs dropped from 22.4% in 2009 to 16.5% in 2010 after the implementation of enhanced C-IED training. Furthermore, data from Iraq during the peak of IED attacks showed that units with specialized route clearance capabilities – a key component of C-IED training – had significantly fewer casualties than units without.
These statistics underscore the crucial role of C-IED awareness in military operations and the safety and well-being of service members.
C-IED Training in the Air Force
The Air Force’s Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) program is designed with several key objectives in mind. The primary goal is to enhance the safety and survivability of Air Force personnel who may encounter IED threats. This is achieved by providing personnel with the knowledge and skills to detect, avoid, and respond to potential IED incidents.
Another goal of the program is to reduce the effectiveness of IEDs as a weapon of strategic influence. By improving detection and mitigation capabilities, the program aims to diminish the impact of IEDs on military operations and thereby lessen their utility to adversaries.
Finally, the program seeks to contribute to a broader understanding of the IED threat environment. By gathering and analyzing data from IED incidents, the Air Force can develop more effective countermeasures and share valuable intelligence with other branches of the military and coalition partners.
Key Components of The C-IED Training
C-IED training in the Air Force comprises several key components:
- Threat Awareness: Personnel are educated about the nature of IED threats, including the types of IEDs they may encounter, common deployment tactics, and the potential impact of these devices.
- Detection Techniques: Training includes instruction on how to recognize potential IEDs, taking into account factors such as location, anomalies, and known IED indicators.
- Avoidance and Response Procedures: Personnel learn strategies to avoid IED threats and procedures to follow if they encounter a potential IED. This includes maintaining safe distances, securing the area, and notifying explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams.
- Post-Incident Procedures: Training also covers actions to take following an IED incident, such as providing first aid, preserving the scene for investigation, and documenting the incident for future learning.
The Air Force employs a mix of teaching methods in C-IED training to cater to different learning styles and to ensure the lessons are effective and engaging. These include classroom lectures, e-learning modules, practical exercises, and simulations.
Classroom lectures and e-learning modules provide foundational knowledge about IEDs and counter-IED tactics. Practical exercises give personnel hands-on experience with tasks such as identifying potential IEDs and practicing response procedures. Simulations, often using mock IEDs and realistic scenarios, provide a safe environment in which to apply knowledge and skills.
In terms of resources, the Air Force utilizes a range of materials, from printed manuals and study guides to interactive digital content. The C-IED Awareness Study Guide, in particular, is a crucial resource, providing comprehensive information and serving as a reference tool for personnel throughout their service.
