Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Awareness 741st Ordnance Company (EOD) Fort Bliss, Texas

Improvised Explosive Device Improvised Explosive Device (IED)(IED)

Awareness Awareness

741st Ordnance Company (EOD)741st Ordnance Company (EOD)

Fort Bliss, TexasFort Bliss, Texas

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

741st Ordnance Company (EOD)

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OverviewOverview I.E.D. Overview I.E.D. Overview During ID checksDuring ID checks Vehicle SearchesVehicle Searches

Vehicle ExteriorVehicle Exterior Vehicle InteriorVehicle Interior Underside, Engine compartments, and TrunksUnderside, Engine compartments, and Trunks

Actions to be takenActions to be taken ReviewReview



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Oklahoma City BombingOklahoma City Bombing

April 19, 1995 April 19, 1995 168 people killed168 people killed



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Khobar Towers, Dhahran, Saudi ArabiaKhobar Towers, Dhahran, Saudi ArabiaJune 25, 1996June 25, 1996 19 Servicemen killed 19 Servicemen killed

It was 10:30 p.m., time It was 10:30 p.m., time for many in the military for many in the military housing facility at Saudi housing facility at Saudi Arabia's King Abdul Arabia's King Abdul Aziz Air Base to turn in Aziz Air Base to turn in for the night, when a for the night, when a suspicious fuel tanker suspicious fuel tanker pulled up near the pulled up near the perimeter. perimeter.

Some immediately Some immediately sensed danger, but sensed danger, but there was little time to there was little time to respond. A thunderous respond. A thunderous explosion followed explosion followed seconds later, as some seconds later, as some 5,000 pounds of 5,000 pounds of explosives packed into explosives packed into the truck went off, the truck went off, drilling a crater 35 feet drilling a crater 35 feet deep and ripping the deep and ripping the front off an apartment front off an apartment building. building.

-http://europe.cnn.com-http://europe.cnn.com



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USS Cole, Aden, YemenUSS Cole, Aden, YemenOctober 13, 2000October 13, 2000 17 Servicemen killed17 Servicemen killed

39 injured 39 injured

An explosion which left a 40 An explosion which left a 40 foot by 40 foot hole in the foot by 40 foot hole in the port side of the Norfolk, port side of the Norfolk, Va.,-based destroyer. U.S. Va.,-based destroyer. U.S. Navy photo.Navy photo.

http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/



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World Trade Center, New York NYWorld Trade Center, New York NY11 Sep 2001 11 Sep 2001 5,000 missing 5,000 missing

U.S. Under U.S. Under AttackAttackSept. 11, 2001: Sept. 11, 2001: “A pleasant September “A pleasant September morning turns horrific morning turns horrific when, in a coordinated when, in a coordinated terrorist attack on the terrorist attack on the United States, a hijacked United States, a hijacked United Airlines plane United Airlines plane approaches to strike the approaches to strike the south tower of the World south tower of the World Trade Center, 18 minutes Trade Center, 18 minutes after a hijacked American after a hijacked American Airlines jet smashed into Airlines jet smashed into the north building, leaving the north building, leaving a gaping hole billowing a gaping hole billowing

smoke.”smoke.” --www.washingtonpost.com



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I.E.D OverviewI.E.D Overview Expect the unexpectedExpect the unexpected The only limitation is the bombers imaginationThe only limitation is the bombers imagination IEDs normally consist of a filler (explosive, incendiary, IEDs normally consist of a filler (explosive, incendiary,

or chemical), container, fuze, detonator, and power or chemical), container, fuze, detonator, and power source (depending on method of initiationsource (depending on method of initiation ) )

All bombs have some sort of trigger: Victim initiated, All bombs have some sort of trigger: Victim initiated, command initiated, timed.command initiated, timed.

Bombs will more than likely NOT be marked as suchBombs will more than likely NOT be marked as such



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Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) Vehicle Borne IEDProvisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) Vehicle Borne IED Heysham - 12 July 1994Heysham - 12 July 1994



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A bomb doesn’t always have to be a separate device within the vehicle; A bomb doesn’t always have to be a separate device within the vehicle; it could be the it could be the actual vehicleactual vehicle..



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I.E.D OverviewI.E.D OverviewReasons we are at a disadvantage:Reasons we are at a disadvantage:

No knowledge of who, what, where, when, why, or how.No knowledge of who, what, where, when, why, or how. Who: the terrorist isWho: the terrorist is

Not always the driver, passenger, or owner of the Not always the driver, passenger, or owner of the vehiclevehicle

What: the terrorist will useWhat: the terrorist will use What: the terrorist will attackWhat: the terrorist will attack

Equipment, personnel, structures, etc.Equipment, personnel, structures, etc.



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I.E.D OverviewI.E.D Overview

Reasons we are at a disadvantage:Reasons we are at a disadvantage:

No knowledge of who, what, where, when, or why.No knowledge of who, what, where, when, or why. Where: the terrorist will make an attack Where: the terrorist will make an attack When: the terrorist will attackWhen: the terrorist will attack Why: the terrorist will attackWhy: the terrorist will attack

Personal, religious, political, etc.Personal, religious, political, etc. How: the terrorist will gain access to an How: the terrorist will gain access to an

area/installationarea/installation



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ID ChecksID ChecksIn the In the early morningearly morning hours of 23 October 1983, a truck hours of 23 October 1983, a truck

loaded with explosives loaded with explosives crashed through the security perimetercrashed through the security perimeter of the of the United States Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. United States Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.



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ID ChecksID ChecksIn the explosion that followed, 241 U.S. Military In the explosion that followed, 241 U.S. Military

personnel were killed and 80 seriously wounded.personnel were killed and 80 seriously wounded.



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ID ChecksID ChecksTime is on your side.Time is on your side. Although people may not Although people may not

appreciate it while their vehicles are being searched, in the appreciate it while their vehicles are being searched, in the long run a thorough search will let everyone know you are long run a thorough search will let everyone know you are doing the best job. doing the best job.

There is no need to rush through a search. You are There is no need to rush through a search. You are the the first line defensefirst line defense against the use of a vehicle in a terrorist against the use of a vehicle in a terrorist attack. attack.

It is also important to It is also important to be aware of your surroundingsbe aware of your surroundings and to make note of personnel observing, but never entering, and to make note of personnel observing, but never entering, gates.gates.

Stay up to dateStay up to date on current affairs involving terrorist on current affairs involving terrorist activity in the area.activity in the area.



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During ID ChecksDuring ID Checks



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During ID ChecksDuring ID Checks Vehicle searches are a physical deterrent against Vehicle searches are a physical deterrent against

possible terrorist attacks. “A show of force”. If a possible terrorist attacks. “A show of force”. If a terrorist believes their vehicle may be searched they terrorist believes their vehicle may be searched they will avoid being caught. will avoid being caught.

Although it is discouraged to single out certain types of Although it is discouraged to single out certain types of people don’t hesitate to pull a people don’t hesitate to pull a vehiclevehicle over if it has the over if it has the obvious capacity for a major threat or something looks obvious capacity for a major threat or something looks out of place. out of place.

If possible, don’t allow people waiting to see what areas If possible, don’t allow people waiting to see what areas are being searched. If a terrorist knows what is are being searched. If a terrorist knows what is searched they will avoid placing a device in that area. A searched they will avoid placing a device in that area. A visual barrier should be used during searches.visual barrier should be used during searches.



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During ID ChecksDuring ID ChecksFamiliarity with those who enter/exit the gate is good,Familiarity with those who enter/exit the gate is good,but do NOT let this take away from the purpose. Abut do NOT let this take away from the purpose. Afamiliar face doesn’t mean you know familiar face doesn’t mean you know the personthe person. A. Aterrorist could be terrorist could be ANYONEANYONE!!!!



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During ID ChecksDuring ID Checks

Be aware of:Be aware of: large packageslarge packages tarps/blankets covering large objectstarps/blankets covering large objects exposed wires running throughout the vehicleexposed wires running throughout the vehicle strange/suspicious behavior exhibited by strange/suspicious behavior exhibited by

driver/passenger(s)driver/passenger(s) obvious device features (trigger devices, switches, obvious device features (trigger devices, switches,

etc.) or weaponsetc.) or weapons



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Vehicle ChecksVehicle Checks

While vehicle bombs have been reported carrying While vehicle bombs have been reported carrying more than two tons of explosives, seldom can more than more than two tons of explosives, seldom can more than 500 lbs.. of explosives be packed into an automobile. But 500 lbs.. of explosives be packed into an automobile. But that much explosive power will demolish everything to a that much explosive power will demolish everything to a distance of 45 feet, cause irreparable damage up to 95 distance of 45 feet, cause irreparable damage up to 95 feet from the center of the blast, do serious damage feet from the center of the blast, do serious damage nearly 200 feet away, cause minor damage more than nearly 200 feet away, cause minor damage more than 1,100 feet away and throw fragments nearly 4/5 of a 1,100 feet away and throw fragments nearly 4/5 of a mile.mile.



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Vehicle ChecksVehicle ChecksToolsTools

Make sure you have the proper equipment Make sure you have the proper equipment readily available and maintained so they don’t fail you readily available and maintained so they don’t fail you when you need them most.when you need them most.

Flashlights: Have more than one with fresh batteries and Flashlights: Have more than one with fresh batteries and bulbs available.bulbs available.

Mirrors: Make sure they are clean and that you are Mirrors: Make sure they are clean and that you are familiar with the use of them. Practice your techniques. familiar with the use of them. Practice your techniques.

Safety Gear: Thick gloves, eyewear, and any additional Safety Gear: Thick gloves, eyewear, and any additional items that might reduce injury to yourself in the event items that might reduce injury to yourself in the event you function a device in a search.you function a device in a search.



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During Vehicle ChecksDuring Vehicle Checks Keep person(s) a safe distance from yourself and the Keep person(s) a safe distance from yourself and the

vehicle. vehicle. IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT AN IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT AN ITEM LET THE DRIVER SHOW YOU, BUT ITEM LET THE DRIVER SHOW YOU, BUT MAINTAIN POSITIVE CONTROL OF THE MAINTAIN POSITIVE CONTROL OF THE SITUATION AND BE COMPLETELY ALERT AT ALL SITUATION AND BE COMPLETELY ALERT AT ALL TIMESTIMES. .

Be aware of the behavior of the driver/passenger(s)Be aware of the behavior of the driver/passenger(s) Do not allow someone to regain control until the search Do not allow someone to regain control until the search

is complete. This may allow them control of a device is complete. This may allow them control of a device they think you have discovered. they think you have discovered.

Make note of people observing gate control points.Make note of people observing gate control points.



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Vehicle ExteriorVehicle Exterior Be aware of:Be aware of:

Extra antennasExtra antennas Protruding wire(s)Protruding wire(s) Obvious weight excess in trunkObvious weight excess in trunk Obvious alterations to vehicles that would enable Obvious alterations to vehicles that would enable

concealment of a hazardous deviceconcealment of a hazardous device



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Exterior ChecksExterior Checks



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Exterior ChecksExterior Checks



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Vehicle UndersideVehicle Underside

Wires running underneath from front to backWires running underneath from front to back Packages and objects taped/welded to the underside of the vehiclePackages and objects taped/welded to the underside of the vehicle Fuel tankFuel tank

TrunkTrunk Spare tires: look underneath, feel weight, check for Spare tires: look underneath, feel weight, check for

tamperingtampering Covered objects, packages, and bags that are Covered objects, packages, and bags that are

unexplained/suspiciousunexplained/suspicious



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Engine CompartmentsEngine Compartments Look for extra wires connecting to the battery/ extra Look for extra wires connecting to the battery/ extra

batteriesbatteries Unusual shaped hoses/tubesUnusual shaped hoses/tubes Objects taped/welded to the insideObjects taped/welded to the inside Parts not common to a vehicle engineParts not common to a vehicle engine FirewallFirewall Areas that could conceal/house a hazardous device Areas that could conceal/house a hazardous device

(i.e. air filter, windshield washer fluid reservoir…)(i.e. air filter, windshield washer fluid reservoir…)



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Vehicle InteriorVehicle Interior Exposed wiresExposed wires Unusual smell(s) not particular to a vehicleUnusual smell(s) not particular to a vehicle AntennasAntennas Out of the ordinary bags, boxes, objectsOut of the ordinary bags, boxes, objects Interior sections of the vehicle altered (upholstery rips, Interior sections of the vehicle altered (upholstery rips,

loose screws on paneling)loose screws on paneling) Glove boxes for triggers/ switchesGlove boxes for triggers/ switches Under the dash for unexplained wiresUnder the dash for unexplained wires Under seats/ along sides of seats for triggers/ switchesUnder seats/ along sides of seats for triggers/ switches



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Actions to be takenActions to be taken

If positive identification of an I.E.D. is made:If positive identification of an I.E.D. is made: Evacuate area/protect personnelEvacuate area/protect personnel Do Do NOTNOT touch/move device touch/move device Immediately request assistance (MP/K-9, EOD)Immediately request assistance (MP/K-9, EOD)

*Do not allow the person being searched to re-*Do not allow the person being searched to re-enter the vehicle. enter the vehicle.



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Actions to be takenActions to be taken 11stst Action: Personnel Action: Personnel

No radio/cell phone transmissions within No radio/cell phone transmissions within 100ft. 100ft.

500 feet evacuation for normal sized package500 feet evacuation for normal sized package 1,000ft. For:1,000ft. For:

• anything w/ antennas associated with IEDanything w/ antennas associated with IED• enhancers in the vicinity (fuel trucks, explosive enhancers in the vicinity (fuel trucks, explosive

carriers, underground gas lines…) carriers, underground gas lines…)

REMEMBER: PERSONNEL SAFETY IS REMEMBER: PERSONNEL SAFETY IS ##11



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Actions to be takenActions to be taken 22ndnd Action: Do Action: Do NOTNOT touch/move device touch/move device

Don’t do anything past the point of discoveryDon’t do anything past the point of discovery Stop searchStop search Detain personnel who were in vehicleDetain personnel who were in vehicle

Remember: The actions you take could mean Remember: The actions you take could mean the lives of you and others!!the lives of you and others!!



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Actions to be takenActions to be taken 33rdrd Action: Immediately request assistance Action: Immediately request assistance

Notify MP desk. Notify MP desk. MP desk will notify EODMP desk will notify EOD

When reporting hazard remember:When reporting hazard remember: Time foundTime found Location (Gate #; # of vehicles)Location (Gate #; # of vehicles) Size and shape or type of container Size and shape or type of container Exposed wires, noises, smells, antennas, Exposed wires, noises, smells, antennas,

condition of item. condition of item.



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Actions to be takenActions to be taken33rdrd Action: Immediately request assistance Action: Immediately request assistance Write down plate numbers and vehicle typeWrite down plate numbers and vehicle type Write down number of people in vehicle and physical Write down number of people in vehicle and physical

descriptions (estimated height/weight, nationality, hair descriptions (estimated height/weight, nationality, hair color, accent, clothing, behavior, distinguishing color, accent, clothing, behavior, distinguishing features: scars, glasses, hairstyle, mustache/beard, etc.)features: scars, glasses, hairstyle, mustache/beard, etc.)



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Additional CountermeasuresAdditional CountermeasuresKnow your resourcesKnow your resources EODEOD Local Law EnforcementLocal Law Enforcement Fire DepartmentFire Department Hazmat TeamsHazmat Teams FBIFBI Other State and Federal AgenciesOther State and Federal Agencies



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QuestionsQuestions



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ReviewReview Be aware of your surroundings and the Be aware of your surroundings and the

behavior of the people you are checking. behavior of the people you are checking. The obvious will present itself. Stay alert The obvious will present itself. Stay alert

towards things that look “out of the ordinary”.towards things that look “out of the ordinary”. Stay up to date on current affairs and get as Stay up to date on current affairs and get as

much information from your chain of much information from your chain of command about possible threats in the area. command about possible threats in the area.

Documents

Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Awareness 741st Ordnance Company (EOD) Fort Bliss, Texas