normally initiated through a door or window.

When conditions warrant, the breach may be

made through blank sections of walls or roofs, which are less likely to be strongly defended.

Countering Explosive Hazards

Explosive hazards include IEDs, landmines, unexploded ordnance, and many types of booby
traps. Infantry units must be prepared to encounter these during any type of operations,
regardless of whether they are conducting high intensity combat, counterinsurgency, or even
foreign humanitarian assistance operations. Infantry platoon commanders must be able to plan
to avoid these hazards and prevent their employment against their platoons. Failing that, all
hands must know how to identify, avoid, and react to these hazards properly.

The principles of assured mobility are the basis for countering explosive hazards. When
dealing with explosive hazards in a counterinsurgency or stability environment, exploitation is
added to the principles of assured mobility. Exploitation of explosive hazards and associated
captured enemy materials is an important component of the intelligence process, by which
enemy capabilities and support infrastructures can be identified and countered.

Explosive Hazard Planning Considerations. The operational environment, the mission,

and the ROE have huge implications for how Marines counter explosive hazards. In offensive
and defensive operations, explosive hazards are normally treated as obstacles, and are bypassed
or breached as required by the tactical situation. During stability actions, explosive hazards
must be dealt with in a more cautious manner to protect civilians, protect and collect
intelligence, and minimize casualties. In reaction to explosive hazards, maneuver units should
be capable of breaching, marking, bypassing, or cordoning and controlling the hazard until
EOD arrives to exploit the device for intelligence value.

During any deployment, intelligence on the enemy should include their use of explosive
hazards. Deploying leaders and Marines should be briefed on local threats and rehearse their
countermeasures, in accordance with unit SOP and guidance on theater-specific training and
capabilities. The unit must become familiar with the enemy TTP, including surveillance and
planning cycles, methods of employment, methods and timing of emplacement, types and
placement of initiators, and types of main charges. We must expect that adversaries will
employ a wide range of explosive hazards to target our Marines and attempt to create
asymmetric effects. We must understand that adversaries will target our Marines, observing us
and exploiting any observed vulnerabilities, including setting patterns and lax OPSEC.

Explosives are often used in conjunction with direct and indirect fires. A common example is
to use directional fragmentation mines (i.e., improvised claymore mines) or IEDs in support of
an ambush employing small arms, RPGs, and mortars.

From Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, history has proven that the best defense against
explosive hazards is well-trained Marines conducting aggressive and unpredictable operations.
Marines must watch where they step and avoid using the same trail twice.

Based on the threat, the platoon is equipped with the appropriate equipment to detect, jam,
and protect against the effects of explosive hazards. Small unit leaders must ensure during

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