Term
| #1 – Define explosive device. |
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Definition
• Any device designed or specially adapted to cause physical harm to persons or property by means of an explosion and
• Consisting of an explosive substance or agency and a means to detonate it
• Includes, without limitation, any bomb, any explosive demolition device, any blasting cap or detonator containing an explosive charge and
• Any pressure vessel that has been knowingly tampered with or arranged so as to explode |
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Term
| #2 – Define incendiary device. |
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Definition
• Any firebomb and any device designed or specially adapted to cause physical harm to persons or property by means of fire and
• Consisting of an incendiary substance or agency and a means to ignite it |
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Term
| #3 – Identify the critical components of an IED. |
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Definition
• Power source – can be electrical, mechanical, or chemical
• Initiator – most initiators are highly sensitive to heat, shock, and friction. The initiator is required to provide the additional energy needed to start a chain reaction within an explosive
• Explosive main charge – the part of the IED that causes most of the damage and injuries by creating the blast pressure which creates fragmentation
• Switch – provides an on/off feature that is necessary in an electric circuit to maintain control of the power applied to an initiator. Switches generally perform the function of firing or arming a device
• Container – used to conceal, transport, and to increase lethality |
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Term
| #4 – Explain the explosive effects of an IED. |
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Definition
Thermal
• High explosives – short duration
• Low explosives – long duration
• Powdered aluminum or magnesium may be used to increase thermal effect (i.e., raise the temperature)
Blast
• The two phases of a blast are positive and negative
• In the positive phase, the blast wave moves out and pushes the air out creating a vacuum
• The negative phase is when the air rushes back to fill the vacuum or void caused by the initial positive phase
Fragmentation – the material thrown out by the blast that is in close proximity to the point of detonation
• Primary – made up of the container, munitions case, or shrapnel. Moves thousands of feet per second
• Secondary – may include primary fragmentation and debris located near the blast area. Moves hundreds of feet per second |
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Term
| #5 – Describe common methods used to initiate an IED. |
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Definition
Time fired
• IED initiated after pre-set time delay
• Can be mechanical, analog, digital, or electronic timing mechanisms (e.g., clock, watches, integrated circuits, timers, burning fuse)
Victim operated
• IED initiated by actions of unsuspecting individuals
• Can be caused by things such as disturbance, pressure, pressure release, tension/pull, tension release/push, light, sound, magnetic, and infra-red devices
Command initiated
• Bomber to choose optimum moment to initiate IED
• Can be initiated by cell phones, radios, doorbells, keyless entry system, pagers, any combination of transmitter/receiver, mechanical (pull/release), car alarms, command wire |
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Term
| #6 – Identify common motivations of bombers. |
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Definition
• Ideological
• Experimentation
• Vandalism
• Profit
• Emotional release
• Revenge
• Recognition |
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Term
| #7 – Describe the three types of bomb search teams. |
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Definition
Occupant team – most common
• Best method for a rapid search
• An immediate source of assistance for searching the facility
• Personnel are familiar with the area to be searched and know what does or doesn’t belong
• Occupants cannot be compelled to search and must be warned of the dangers
• Are not usually trained in search procedures and are not as thorough as a trained team
Supervisory team
• Is a fast approach and least disruptive to area
• Is best type with a covert search
• Supervisors may not be as familiar with the area so the searchers may not know what does or doesn’t belong
• It is easier to train a small number of supervisors than the whole staff
Trained team
• Made up of personnel trained in bomb search techniques
• The best trained team is made up of personnel from the target facility
− A proactive training program should be conducted with personnel from vulnerable targets (e.g., schools, courts)
− Even when personnel from the facility are not trained, someone from the target facility should accompany searchers to provide advice
− Usually the most thorough team
− May be augmented with police or fire personnel |
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Term
| #8 – List the procedures for when a suspicious item is found |
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Definition
• It is imperative that personnel involved in a search understand that their role is only to search for and report suspicious objects
• Under no circumstances should anyone move, jar, or touch a suspicious object or anything attached to it – always suspect the device is armed and ready to fire
• Communicate clear instructions to anyone in the area of the device and prevent others from approaching
• Do not use radios or cell phones in the immediate vicinity of a suspected item (e.g., threat of RCIED)
• Notify other search teams and suspend search
• Secure area where item is located, but do not guard it (i.e., stay away from the item)
• Always be aware of secondary devices – they are usually targeted towards first responders
• Begin evacuation procedures
• Notify fire, emergency medical services, and bomb squad |
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