Identifying and reacting to explosive devices

FM/G156 - Identifying and reacting to explosive devices

Guide

FM/BG-1683 - Explosive charges

Guide

Explosive charges are primarily used as a tool for demolition or destruction of selected targets. They may also be encountered as a deliberate method for destroying key assets during ambushes or defensive manoeuvres. Explosive charges vary in size, ranging from small charges used to break locks or door hinges to large quantities of explosives rigged to a single detonator for the destruction of structures or equipment.

Explosive charges typically lack secondary elements such as fragmentation and rely mainly on the placement and quantity of explosive used to achieve the desired effect. They are usually activated by a remote detonator, such as a clacker or radio signal, or by a timed detonator.

Guide

FM/BG-785 - Anti-personnel (AP) mines

Guide

AP devices are small and low-profile, designed to be difficult to notice during normal movement. They are commonly placed at foot level and may appear as compact charges, plates, or concealed objects positioned along likely dismounted routes to deny dismounted movement or shape movement into a kill zone.

AP devices are typically victim-activated. Common trigger mechanisms include pressure activation or proximity-based activation (including trip wires) intended to detonate when infantry moves into the device’s effective area. AP devices are often used in clusters or integrated into broader defensive setups.

Guide

FM/BG-1466 - Anti-tank (AT) mines

Guide

AT devices are larger than AP devices and positioned to engage vehicles. They may appear as heavy charges, mines, or reinforced objects placed on or near vehicle routes, intersections, or choke points.

AT devices are usually pressure-activated by vehicle weight or remotely initiated. Some may be command-detonated to allow engagement of specific vehicles rather than the first contact. AT mines can generally not be set off by dismounts.

Guide

FM/BG-1467 - Improvised explosive devices (IEDs)

Guide

IEDs vary widely in size and construction. They may appear as modified objects, containers, ordnance or placed charges that blend into the environment. Their inconsistent appearance makes them difficult to identify without deliberate inspection or the use of a mine detector. IEDs may be integrated into deliberate defensive systems or employed to target predictable movement and are used to reduce morale, delay movement, or disrupt operations..

IEDs may be victim-activated, command-detonated, or time-based. This flexibility allows them to be used against both personnel and vehicles and to be triggered at a chosen moment.

Guide

FM/BG-1468 - Unexploded ordnance (UXO)

Guide

UXO appears as intact or partially damaged munitions that failed to detonate as intended. These may include shells, rockets, or dropped ordnance and are often visually recognizable as military munitions.

UXO does not have an intended trigger but remains unstable. Detonation may occur due to movement, interaction, or secondary effects, making it unpredictable and hazardous. UXO is commonly encountered in areas subjected to indirect fire or air-delivered munitions and may remain a threat long after initial contact.

Skill

FM/BS-1469 - Identify and react to explosive devices

Skill

Recognize potential explosive devices and initiate immediate protective actions.

Identify suspicious objects, munitions, or placed charges inconsistent with the surrounding environment.
Assume live: Treat all suspected Mines or Explosives as armed and hazardous unless marked as safe.
Warn others: Clearly announce the hazard to nearby elements.
Halt movement: Immediately stop personnel and vehicles in the affected area.
Establish standoff: Maintain distance appropriate to the suspected device type.
Mark and report: Mark the location if possible and report through the chain of command.
Await clearance: Do not disturb or attempt to neutralize unless tasked and equipped to do so.