React to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Attack

1. React to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Attack • Conditions:As a Squad Leader your squad is conducting a mounted/dismounted military operation when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonates. • Standards:React to the IED attack by directing the Squad to suppress any enemy fire, set up security, evacuate any casualties, recover any disabled vehicles, and exit the area.

2. NOTE:Remember that the IED is just one part of an ambush. Once the IED detonates, the enemy may attack with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades or even secondary IEDs. The enemy may have mortars and rockets zeroed in on the IED kill zone or safe area. The Squad must be ready to react to any threat after the IED detonates and move out of the kill zone as soon as possible.

3. IED Ambush Reaction Steps • Shoot, Move & Communicate • Quick, Lethal & Aggressive response IAW ROE • Move out of Kill Zone as soon as possible • Search / clear for additional IEDs • Treat / Evacuate casualties • Report situation • Expect follow on attacks

4. IEDs Dropped Into Vehicles An observer will spot vehicle and signal to partner with IED when to drop. Uncovered and soft topped vehicles are primary targets. Most IEDs are either impact detonated or timed. Person with IED OP Observer Overpass Direction of movement

5. React to an IED Attack while: • Vehicle mounted, maintaining movement • Vehicle mounted, forced to stop to recover a disabled vehicle • Dismounted

6. Reacting to an IED while mounted and maintaining movement

7. Report IED attack on internal communication to Squad giving type of contact and clock direction. • Direct the squad to focus outward from the attack site and suppress any enemy fire while moving out of the contact area. • Direct the Squad to report any casualties.

8. Warning: The Squad leader should submit a request for MEDEVAC as soon as there is a report of a serious casualty. If a treatment facility/FOB is not within close proximity submit a request for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC). Do not wait until reaching the rally point. A specific grid can be transmitted later.

9. Report contact to higher Headquarter • Direct Squad to rally point based upon METT-TC. • Evacuate any casualties and assess any equipment damage. • Continue mission in accordance with mission directive.

10. React to an IED Attack while mounted and being forced to stop

11. NOTE: Your reaction to the IED attack depends upon any resulting vehicle damage or casualties. You would normally move out of the kill zone immediately, but any disabled vehicles or casualties may force you to stay in the area until casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and vehicle recovery is completed. It is critical that the Squad moves out of the ambush site as soon as possible to prevent any more attacks by enemy follow up forces.

12. React to an IED attack while mounted and being forced to stop 1.Direct the squad to focus outward from the attack site, take cover and suppress enemy fire. (a) Personnel in the disabled vehicle will dismount on non-contact side of vehicle and lay down suppressive fire. (b) Non-disabled vehicles will move out of immediate area of IED detonation and suppress any enemy fire.

13. 2. Using fire and movement techniques, direct the squad to assault and destroy any enemy resistance. (a) Designate one portion of the Squad to continue suppressing enemy fire and another portion to assault the enemy position from the flank using METT-TC. (b) Shift suppressive fires when the assault element closes on the enemy position. (c) Destroy remaining enemy resistance.

14. NOTE: If the Squad cannot achieve fire superiority over the enemy, the Squad Leader must decide whether to break contact or to stay in place until reinforcements arrive.

15. 3. Set up 360 degree security. 4. Ensure the squad is alert and scanning for any additional IEDs (secondary IEDs, VBIEDs, or PBIEDs) or enemy attacks. 5. Treat and evacuate any casualties. 6. Send report to higher.

16. Recover any disabled vehicles. (1) If disabled vehicles can be recovered with Squad assets, install a tow device to move the disabled vehicles out of the area as soon as possible. (2) If outside support is needed for recovery, call higher for guidance. (3) Disabled vehicles will be abandoned or destroyed as directed by higher.

17. Abandonment or Destruction of Vehicles Sensitive Items must come out or be destroyed: Maps, Weapons ,ECM, Ammunition, Commo Vehicle Abandonment is a psychological victory for the enemy and will be used in their information campaign. An abandoned vehicle is a significant IED threat during recovery

18. 8. Direct Squad movement to rally point. (1) Select the rally point in accordance with METT-TC. (2) Adjust the tow device on the disabled vehicles so they can move with the Squad to a safe area. 9.Continue mission in accordance with (IAW) mission directive.

19. React to an IED Attack while dismounted

20. React to an IED Attack while dismounted 1. Direct the squad to focus outward from the attack site, take cover and suppress enemy fire. 2.Using fire and movement techniques, direct the squad to assault and destroy any enemy resistance. (a) Designate one portion of the Squad to continue suppressing enemy fire and another portion to assault the enemy position from the flank using METT-TC. (b) Shift suppressive fires when the assault element closes on the enemy position. (c) Destroy remaining enemy resistance.

21. NOTE: If the Squad cannot achieve fire superiority over the enemy, the Squad Leader must decide whether to break contact or to stay in place until reinforcements arrive.

22. 3. Set up 360 degree security. 4. Ensure the squad is scanning for any additional IEDs (secondary IEDs, VBIEDs, or PBIEDs) or enemy attacks. 5. Treat and evacuate and casualties. 6. Send report to higher.

23. 7. Direct Squad movement to rally point. (1) Select the rally point in accordance with METT-TC. 8. Continue mission in accordance with (IAW) mission directive.

24. QUESTIONS?