text: Chapter 6
  Defeat the Device
  6-77. In order to enhance commanders’ freedom of maneuver for safe operations, actions taken to
  discover IEDs and activities reduce the effects of IED detonation at the point of attack by defeating the
  device. They include rapid identification, development, acquisition, and delivery of capabilities for route
  clearance, device neutralization, explosive detection, military explosive ordnance disposal, and vehicle
  and personnel protection. Additional considerations should address new technologies to include electronic
  warfare capabilities. Two techniques for defeating the device are dismounted patrols and route clearance.
  Dismounted Patrols
  6-78. Dismounted patrols are especially useful in countering IEDs. Use of dedicated counter IED
  patrols, especially along main supply routes, is an important technique to reduce the threat of IEDs along
  those routes. A great way to counter IEDs is to eliminate the popular support or acquiescence to the IED
  cell through regular engagements. If that is not possible, then identify, and neutralize the kill zones.
  Route Clearance
  6-79. Route clearance teams (RCTs) are used to thwart ambushes, clear natural or man-made obstacles,
  and detect IEDs. RCTs are comprised of engineers, EOD personnel, mechanical devices, and specialized
  robotics to increase standoff from the IED threat. The purpose of route clearance is to eliminate
  concealment for IEDs and munitions caches and to conduct the systemic detection and deterrence sweeps
  along the cleared routes.
  6-80. Route clearance missions consist of the following two phases: right-of-way clearance and route
  maintenance and sweep operations. Right of way clearance is the removal of rubble, debris, berms, holes,
  trenches, vegetation, and trash from the medians and shoulders of routes. Right-of-way clearance can be
  conducted with special equipment such as an up-armored bulldozer. Cleaning the right of way in this
  manner serves multiple purposes: IED-detection devices become more effective; it is more difficult for the
  enemy to emplace IEDs; and all counterinsurgent forces can more easily identify IEDs should the enemy
  attempt to emplace them again. Another technique is to use by local national labor, which employs the
  population. Units should then conduct a deliberate route reconnaissance, identify and record the location
  of man-made objects (buried pipes and cables), and investigate suspicious areas. Route maintenance
  and sweep operations are when units conduct systemic, random detection sweeps of the cleared areas
  and progress to detection and deterrence sweeps along the cleared route. A visual detection sweep should
  focus on changed conditions.
  Train the Force
  6-81. Mitigating the effects of enemy IED employment through comprehensive training of our forces
  puts troops in the field who are situationally aware and who know their gear. This includes, but is not
  limited to, multiechelon and multicomponent training, training on new gear, information management
  and dissemination, strategic communications, doctrinal and institutional training changes, and unit mission
  rehearsals at Service combat training centers. All soldiers need to be trained in basic techniques, actions
  while mounted, and dismounted actions.
  Individual Techniques
  6-82. Counter-IED operations at the soldier level revolve around several principles. (See
  GTA 90-10-046 for information on combined arms improvised explosive device defeat operations.) Units
  need to know, control, and identify when something is out of place in their area of operations. Insurgents
  adapt their techniques based off of counterinsurgent unit actions. These principles are the following:
  • Maintain an offensive mindset.
  • Develop and maintain situational awareness.
  • Stay observant.
  • Avoid setting patterns.
  • Maintain 360-degree security.