The use of Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (RCIEDs) in Iraq

They can be roadside bombs , radio fired mines and remote controlled explosives . Physical protection and tactical conduct of operation are the best countermeasures against IEDs . Armor technologies are effective in countering IEDs . They consist of steel and aluminum armor . Ballistic liners are effective against radio controlled IEDs . They can absorb melted metal spall generated during penetration of main armor

Electronic jamming systems have also been designed and mounted on military vehicles . They use low power radio frequency energy to block the signal of radio controlled explosives . The jammers are effective

only if they are within the right frequency range of the radio controlled IED . Other countermeasures are being developed to detect IEDs from a far distance . Such devices would generate a pulse of high power electromagnetic energy to prematurely detonate or destroy the radio controlled IED circuitry (Wilson , 2005

Radio controlled IEDs will remain the weapon of choice for insurgent groups because of the cheap availability of components and their ability to create fear amongst people . Such devices are composed of conventional munitions and electronic components . Mobile phones , garbage door openers , washing machine timers , pagers and electronic components have widely been used as triggers for radio controlled IEDs . The United States and other countries are currently investing in technologies that will jam , burn or destroy radio controlled IEDs

References (2007 . Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs / Booby Traps . Retrieved January 15 , 2008 , from Global Secuirty .Org Web site

HYPERLINK "http /www .globalsecurity .org /military /intro /ied .htm http /www .globalsecurity .org /military /intro /ied .htm

Slotnick , Jeff (2007 . Explosive Forces of Improvised Explosives Devices . Retrieved January 15 , 2008 , from Security Driver Web site HYPERLINK "http /www .securitydriver .com /aic /stories /article-114 .html http /www .securitydriver .com /aic /stories /article-114 .html

Wilson , Clay (2005 . Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs ) in Iraq Effects and Countermeasures...