FMI 3-34.119 - Soldier Support Institute - U.S. Army

Appendix F• Distractions. Searchers must be free from distractions; search operations require the totalattention of the participants. Leaders are to ensure that searchers are not distracted by visitsof senior officers, the media, and so forth.• Command and Control. C2 is vital to the conduct of the search and the coordination of thesupport, both military and civilian. Everybody must be informed of what is going on,especially civilian agencies.F-2. The levels of search will be dictated by the threat. Searches are characterized by the followingvarying levels of thoroughness:• Basic search. All military personnel must be prepared to conduct a basic search incidental toperforming their assigned missions and duties on a continuing basis. A basic search does notinvolve a preplanned search operation and no specific enemy threats or environmental hazardshave been identified. A basic search is inherent to FP. All military personnel must be able andready to conduct a basic search.• Intermediate search. An intermediate search is appropriate for deliberate, preplanned offensivesearch operations when there is no specific intelligence indicating the presence of functioningexplosive or hazardous devices, there is no indication of environmental hazards, and a highassurance level is not required. Intermediate search is the first level at which units form teams toconduct search operations.• Advanced search. An advanced search is appropriate for deliberate, preplanned searchoperations when there is specific intelligence indicating the presence of a functioning explosiveor hazardous device, there are indications of environmental hazards, or a high assurance level isrequired.F-3. Due to the many varied situations in which a search may be conducted, it is necessary to develop aset of guidelines within which to conduct a search. It should be noted that these procedures are onlyguidelines and may require adaptation to suit a particular task. The six standard search types are as follows:• Person.• Vehicle, incorporating vehicle checkpoints (VCPs).• Area.• Route.• Nondisruptive building.• Disruptive building.F-4. A search operation may consist of one procedure or a series of related procedures, the application ofwhich depends on the circumstances of the search. Therefore, it can be seen that, with the exception ofsafety measures, search procedures are not prescriptive to be followed lockstep. They must be adapted tomeet the local situation. Search procedures must not become stereotyped, or the enemy will learn what toexpect and take the appropriate evasive action.IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE SEARCH AND DETECTIONF-5. The paragraphs below discuss the methods and principles of IED search and detection.METHODSF-6. Methods of IED search and detection, also known as IED hunting include―• Patrols. Patrols should―• Conduct aggressive reconnaissance.• Use reconnaissance patrols to feed intelligence development.• Use specific objectives, such as people, places, or things.• Use security patrols to mitigate risk.• Treat every convoy as a combat operation.F-2 FMI 3-34.119/MCIP 3-17.01 21 September 2005