REACT TO IED
Conditions: You are a member of a mounted/dismounted patrol and encounter an improvised explosive device, with all PPE, weapon, and basic load, given clear directives, ROE, and EOF measures.
Understanding This Task
This task tests your reaction to discovering a suspected IED/VBIED. You must alert leadership using the 3 Ds (Direction, Distance, Description), conduct 5/25/100-meter checks, and execute the 5 Cs (Check, Confirm, Clear, Cordon, Control).
EH SPOTREP: You must call in a 9-line Explosive Hazard Spot Report and request EOD. Much of this task is verbalized to the grader.
Time starts when you identify the IED by alerting leadership. Time stops when you establish control.
Common NO-GO Mistakes
- Never touch or approach a suspected IED
- Failing to verbalize clear distance during the "Clear" step
- Not establishing an Incident Control Point (ICP) during "Cordon"
- Incomplete EH SPOTREP (all 9 lines required)
- Not using binoculars/optics for 5-meter check
Starting Configuration
Equipment: Area with IED indicators/simulators, binoculars, 9-line UXO card.
Setup: Grader briefs candidate to react to IED and explains notional unit assets.
Task Basis: 052-COM-1270
Video Resources
- Never touch or approach a suspected IED.
- 5/25/100-meter checks and 5 Cs can be done concurrently.
- Must verbalize clear distance, cordon establishment, and control.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
0/3 GO-
1
Alert leadership CRITICAL
- Alert leadership and other members of the element to the possible IED/VBIED and its location.
- Use the 3 Ds: Direction, Distance, Description.
-
2
Establish security — 5/25/100-meter checks
- 5-meter check: Halt. Systematic visual check using binoculars or other available optics. Check for disturbed earth, suspicious objects, loose bricks, security ties. Work ground to above head height. Use NVDs/thermal/white light during limited visibility.
- 25-meter check: Continue visually clearing to 25 meters. Conduct dismounted check to 25-meter radius, checking for IED indicators.
- 100-meter check: Search near to far (out to ~100 meters) for triggermen, cameramen, or snipers.
-
3
Conduct the 5 Cs CRITICAL
- CHECK: All personnel check immediate area for secondary/tertiary devices using 5/25/100-meter checks.
- CONFIRM: Confirm IED existence from safe distance using standoff means (robot, optics, etc.). Call in EH SPOTREP (9-line format). Request EOD.
- Line 1: DTG of discovery
- Line 2: Unit and 8-digit grid location
- Line 3: Radio frequency, call sign, POC, phone
- Line 4: Type of ordnance (dropped/projected/placed/IED), number, description
- Line 5: CBRNE contamination
- Line 6: Resources threatened
- Line 7: Impact on mission
- Line 8: Protective measures taken
- Line 9: Priority (Immediate/Indirect/Minor/No threat)
- CLEAR: Clear area around device working outward. Verbalize safe distance.
- CORDON: Establish security cordon. Set up blocking positions to prevent foot and vehicle traffic. Establish Incident Control Point (ICP).
- CONTROL: Control area inside cordon. Prevent unauthorized approach. Time stops when control is established.
From the Ranger Handbook (TC 3-21.76)
Supplementary context — not tested directly, but builds deeper understanding.
IED/UXO Quick Reference Card (Figure B-1): The Ranger Handbook includes a field-reference IED/UXO card in Appendix B designed for Rangers to carry in the field. It covers the response procedures when encountering improvised explosive devices or unexploded ordnance, including standoff distances based on METT-TC, ROE considerations, and the requirement to request EOD support.
The handbook also lists "React to IEDs" as a critical urban operations task (Ch. 11, para 11-7), alongside identifying explosives, bombs, booby traps, and materials used in making and clearing them. All Rangers must be prepared to set up blocking positions around a target location and control the area — the same cordon-and-control principles tested in this ESB task.
Source: TC 3-21.76, Appendix B (Figure B-1) & Chapter 11, April 2017