pre-combat inspections that their Marines are trained in employing their equipment and that is

serviceable. Examples of equipment might include explosive detection dogs, metal detectors,
and counter radio-controlled improvised explosive device electronic warfare (CREW)
systems. When employed intelligently, optics also greatly increase the chance of detecting
explosive hazards.

Predicting and Preventing Explosive Employment. Commanders incorporate

prediction fundamentals in their operations, such as enemy and friendly pattern analysis.
Operating at a high tempo denies adversaries opportunities to emplace explosive hazards. In
every case, it is preferable to defeat an enemy’s emplacement teams then to detect each
individual device. Commanders may consider employing sensors or OP/LPs to overwatch key
terrain that may contain different types of explosive hazards, such as—

• Frequently traveled and predictable routes.

• Choke points, sharp turns, and blind spots.
• Culverts and bridges.
• Unattended vehicles.
• Abandoned buildings.

Explosive Hazard Detection. Despite our best efforts, we must be prepared to detect
emplaced explosive hazards. During stability actions, units must understand the patterns of life
in their AOs. This situational awareness is invaluable in recognizing variations from the
baseline environment that provide indicators to the emplacement of explosive hazards. There
are numerous indicators of explosive hazard employment and means to detect them; however,
the best means of detection is to maintain situational awareness and detect changes in the
baseline conditions.

Ground Sign Awareness. Several years of combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan have
driven home the fact that well-trained and aware Marines are our best tool to identify explosive
hazards. Commanders should train Marines to seek out explosive hazard indicators using
ground signs. These include the following:

• Disturbance. Noticeable signs existing in the texture of the ground and soil near the
IED emplacement.
• Discarded items. Items the enemy may intentionally or unintentionally leave behind at
the emplacement site of an IED.
• Color change. Different moisture content and/or the presence of chemicals on the
ground.
• Regularity. Straight lines rarely exist in nature.
• Flattening. The general leveling or depression caused by pressure on an area, such as
boot prints on grass or marks left where someone has sat down.
• Transference. Often, the transferred material does not naturally blend with the
surrounding area.
• Markers. The enemy often marks explosive hazards to prevent their personnel and/or
civilians from detonating them.

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