How to Perform a Vehicle Inspection

Photo courtesy of Oregon.gov

Table Of Contents Introduction3

Occupational Risk Management..4

Required Equipment..5

Potential Threats.7

Pre-Search Phase.9

Search Phase.12

Post-Search Phase..13

Appendix A.14

Appendix B.15

Introduction The contents of this instruction set are designed to aid all airmen with proper vehicle inspection procedures at Forward Operating Base Bravo, Afghanistan. Exercising proper vehicle inspection form reduces the chances that hazardous materials may enter the FOB Bravo. These searches are designed to identify and eliminate Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and chemical agents from entering FOB Bravo. During a typical day at FOB Bravo, between 300 and 500 vehicle will pass through any given vehicle inspection point (VIP). There is no standard timeframe for conducting a vehicle inspection. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct all vehicle inspections effectively and efficiently. Failure to do either of these could result in a decreased operations tempo.

* An appendix listing commonly used terms and phrases can be found at the end of this document for reference purposes.

Occupational Risk Management

Warning!
Improperly performing any of procedures listed herein may result in serious injury or Death! Performing the actions listed may put you in close proximity to violent and dangerous individuals. Do not disregard any procedures or techniques. Remain vigilant at all times.

* The steps performed in this document need to be completed for all vehicles entering an FOB. Otherwise, the procedure listed within are to be performed randomly or whenever a suspicious vehicle is identified. ** It is expected that all airmen reading this manual possess basic knowledge of all terms and information used in this document.

Note: If at any time the occupant(s) of the vehicle fail to cooperate, initiate a proper escalation of force as necessary and notify your Unit Command Center (UCC).

Should an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or any other hazardous material be discovered, immediately evacuate the area and inform your UCC and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) department.

Required Equipment

Entry Control Point A typical entry control point (ECP) will be employed at FOB Bravo. It will consist of standard serpentine barriers and over watch positions as well as a personnel inspection area. 3-5 Personnel This represents the minimum number of airmen that must be present in conducting the actual search. It does not include the over watch position or the quick response force (QRF) that must be on standby. Canine Unit This is defined as one bomb/chemical detecting dog and its handler. This unit is essential when conducting a thorough search of the vehicle. The canine is capable of detecting minute quantities of explosives that are not apparent during routine searches. (Figure 1-1)
Figure 1-1

Angled Inspection Mirrors These will are necessary during the undercarriage portion of the inspection. (Figure 1-2)
Figure 1-2

Personal Protective Equipment Necessary equipment includes flak jackets, helmets, air battle uniform, ANSI Certified protective glasses, primary weapon, and a sidearm. This equipment is required at all times! Failure to employ essential PPE will result in disciplinary action.

(Figure 1-3 to 1-4)

Figure 1-3

Figure 1-4

Potential Threats

Overweighed Vehicles A vehicle that has the top of its wheel wells resting on/near the top of the tire is considered an overweighed vehicle. Be extremely wary of these vehicles! Their excessive weigh could indicate that a large explosive charge is hidden within. Unconventional/Exposed Wiring This is defined as any wiring that is not factory installed. Exposed/unconventional wiring should be handled with extreme caution. The presence of this type of wiring usually signals that an IED is present. (Figure 1-5 to 1-6)
Figure 1-5 Figure 1-6

Powders/Residue Any powder or residue that is discovered should be reported immediately. These substances could designate that biological, chemical, or explosive material is present in the vehicle. Fresh Paint/Patches New paint or patches on vehicle sheet metal could indicate that hazardous material is hidden within the panel. Look for paint that does not match the color of the vehicle or its interior. Patches can be identified by their rough texture.

Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) Any military grade bombs, missiles, landmines, torpedoes, grenades, or ammunition that has not detonated is defined as unexploded ordinance. These devices will have been modified to create an IED. Immediately contact your chain of command should these be discovered. (Figure 1-7)
Figure 1-7

Note: Thesepicturesanddescriptionsare

intendedforreferencepurposesonly.IEDs cancomeinanyshape,size,color,etcThe mostimportantaspectofconductinga vehicleinspectionissituationalawareness.

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Pre-Search Phase 1. Direct the vehicle operator toward the vehicle inspection point. 2. Instruct operator to shutoff the vehicles engine. Direct all occupants to slowly exit the vehicle using the external door latches.

(Figures 2-1 to 2-2)

Figure 2-1

Figure 2-2

3. Remove all occupants (including the driver) from the scene and perform the necessary personnel body searches and verify identification. (Figure 2-3)
Figure 2-3

4. Return the driver to the vehicle after they have been searched. Instruct the driver to open all vehicle compartments including: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.
Figure 2-4

(Figures 2-4 to 2-6)

Figure 2-5

Hood Trunk Doors Glove Box Gas Tank Flap Center Console Wheel Wells

Figure 2-6

TIP:Begintheexternalportion
ofthesearchattheengine compartment.Proceedina clockwisemotionaroundthe vehiclessoastonotoverlook anything.

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5. Remain at a safe distance from the driver while they perform the above task but close enough to identify any possible threats as compartments are opened. (Figure 2-7)
Figure 2-7

6. Return the driver to the personnel search area so that they do not have a visual of the vehicle.

Caution!
Makesurethatthevehicleinspectorhasa firearmtrainedonthevehicleatalltimes. Thiswillallowtheinspectorstobeincontrol atalltimesincaseofanemergency.

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Search Phase

1. Proceed to inspect all open compartments of the vehicle for suspicious materials and devices. 2. Inspect all areas/surfaces within the cab of the vehicle and identify hidden materials. 3. Using an angled mirror, start at the drivers side door of the vehicle and proceed to walk a 360 degree path around the vehicle in order to inspect the undercarriage for hazardous material. (Figure 3-1)
Figure 3-1

Photo Courtesy of Reflection Products Inc.

10. Allow the canine unit to perform a scent search of the vehicle.

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Post-Search Phase 1. Verify the vehicles intended destination within the FOB. 2. Notify the commander of the unit to which the vehicle will proceed. 3. Return the driver and occupants to the vehicle once it has been cleared of all hazardous material. 4. Instruct the driver of the vehicle to proceed to their intended destination within the FOB.

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Appendix A (Key Terms)

FOB - Forward Operating Base

Any secured military installation operating in a foreign land

EOD Explosive Ordinance Disposal

Airmen that are specifically trained to detect, handle, and dispose of explosive material

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

Any equipment worn or used by airmen for the protection of the human body

UCC Unit Command Center

Localized control point in charge of assets within the forward operating base

IED Improvised Explosive Device

Any type of material or foreign object transformed into a device that can be detonated to cause harm on a large scale

VIP Vehicle Inspection Point

Located at all entry points of a forward operating base where incoming vehicles are evaluated for entry

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