CONDITIONS:

The element is performing a military operation when a suspected IED is found. Some iterations of this task should be performed in MOPP.

CUE:

An element encounters a suspected IED.

STANDARDS:

React to the suspected IED. Any Soldier reports the IED to the remainder of the element by using the 3-Ds (distance, direction, and description). The element performs the 5-Cs (check, confirm, clear, cordon and control).

TASK STEPS AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES

1. The first Soldier to realize there is a possible IED communicates the 3-Ds :

a. Distance: the distance from the Soldier(s) that initially found the possible IED.
b. Direction: the direction to which the possible IED is located from the Soldier(s) who initially found it.
c. Description: the initial description of the possible IED. Soldiers should not move closer to the possible IED to retrieve a better description.

2. The element performs the 5-Cs.

a. Check: all personnel should check their immediate area for secondary/tertiary devices by conducting 5/25/200 meter checks from their positions. If Soldiers suspect an IED while performing the 5/25/200 meter checks, they should assume it could detonate at any moment, even if the suspected IED turns out to be a false alarm.
b. Confirm: the unit MUST confirm the existence of a suspected IED from a safe distance using any available standoff means (robot, Buffalo, optics, or other means). Once confirmed, the unit calls in an EOD 9 -line explosive hazard spot report.

(1) Line 1, date-time group: complete this line with the date and time the item was discovered.
(2) Line 2, reporting activity and location: complete this line with the unit and the 8-digit grid location of the explosive hazard.
(3) Line 3, contact method: enter the radio frequency, call sign, point of contact, and telephone number.
(4) Line 4, type of ordnance: document whether it was dropped, projected, placed, or thrown; or whether it was a possible IED. Give the number of items, if more than one. Include as detailed of a description as possible of the item in question, to include the size, shape, and physical condition.
(5) Line 5, CBRN contaminations: Be as specific as possible.
(6) Line 6, resources threatened: document equipment, facilities, or other assets that were threatened.
(7) Line 7, impact on mission: provide a short description of the current tactical situation and how the explosive hazard affected the status of the mission.
(8) Line 8, protective measures: document any measures taken to protect personnel and equipment.
(9) Line 9, recommended priority. indicate whether it was immediate, indirect, minor, or no threat:

(a) Immediate: stops the unit maneuver and mission capability, or threatens critical assets vital to the mission.
(b) Indirect: stops the unit maneuver and mission capability, or threatens critical assets important to the mission.
(c) Minor: reduces the unit maneuver and mission capability, or threatens noncritical assets.
(d) No threat: has little or no effect on the capabilities or assets of the unit.

WARNING
Be alert for suspicious personnel exiting the cordon.

c. Clear: the unit clears the area around the device of all personnel, working from the device outwards. If an IED has been confirmed, the unit must clear the area. The safe distance is determined by several factors: the tactical situation, avoiding predictability, and moving several hundred meters away from the IED.

Note. In the event of larger elements, personnel who are deemed nonessential for the purpose of cordoning the area can use an alternate route of movement and continue the mission or return to the nearest safe area. Theater-specific guidance or mission necessities may require the unit to react to the IED in a different manner, such as reporting and bypassing.

DANGER
The element varies the minimum safe distance when moving away from the IED to avoid establishing predictability because of possible secondary/tertiary IEDs. Avoid using any communication or electronic equipment (other than crew devices) within the secured exclusion area.

d. Cordon: establish a security cordon around the danger area by setting up blocking positions to prevent foot and vehicle traffic from approaching the IED. An effective cordon will deny the enemy observation of friendly TTPs, along with denying them IED effectiveness. Continue to check for secondary/tertiary IEDs, make use of available cover, and establish an incident command post.

Note. Minimum safe distance for exposed personnel is considered to be 300 meters.

WARNING
To reduce exposure of personnel, the patrol leader should minimize the number of dismounted soldiers used in performing the 25-meter search.

e. Control: the unit must control the area inside the cordon to ensure authorized access. Since the distance of all personnel from the IED directly affects their safety, Soldiers should control the site to prevent someone from straying dangerously close until the threat has been neutralized.
(1) 5- meter check: identify a position to halt. Search five meters out from your vehicle through the window before opening the door. Conduct a systematic visual check using binoculars or other optics. Check for abnormalities such as disturbed earth, suspicious objects, or loose bricks in walls and security ties. Work from the ground up and continue above head height. Take your time, search methodically, and use a white flashlight during hours of reduced visibility.
(2)   25-Meter check: once a 5- meter check is completed and if deemed necessary by the patrol leader; exit the vehicle and close the door in order to protect occupants from the potential blast and sniper threats. Immediately perform a visual search under the vehicle and continue visually clear the area out to 25 meters, while simultaneously checking for potential IED indicators or anything out of the ordinary. During the 5/25/200 meter checks, the patrol (including Soldiers remaining inside the vehicle ), must remain outwardly focused while searching from far-to-near looking for suspected enemy activity such as a triggerman, cameraman, or sniper.
(3) The driver and the gunner should remain inside the vehicle for
security purposes.