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

Chapter 6visual and sensory detection of IEDs. Units should then conduct a deliberate route reconnaissance, identifyand record the location of man-made objects (buried pipe and cable), and investigate suspicious areas.ROUTE MAINTENANCE AND SWEEP OPERATIONS6-32. The unit should conduct systemic, random detection sweeps of the cleared areas and progress todetection and deterrence sweeps along the cleared route. A visual detection sweep should focus on changedconditions. Any investigation of suspected devices will be performed remotely with the Buffalo or othersystem, as required. The preferred way to conduct route clearance is to form C2, detection, security, andimprovement elements.Command and Control Element6-33. The C2 element integrates the activities of the security, detection, and improvement sections. Itmaintains communications with its higher HQ and with the maneuver unit whose battlespace the clearanceunit is operating in. The C2 element usually travels within the security element.Detection Element6-34. The mission of the detection element (Figure 6-2) is to scan the medians and shoulders of a routebefore employing engineer equipment to remove concealment and obstacles. The element will sweep themedian and shoulder for IEDs, UXO, and mines; investigate all suspicious objects; mark and report UXO;and secure and report IEDs. When a suspected object is detected, the location will be pinpointed. Thesuspected object will be investigated remotely. EOD is the only force authorized to render safe an IED.Note. Do not attempt to render safe, disassemble, or dispose of a suspected or actual IED duringroute clearance operations. For IED search and detection principles, see Appendix F.Figure 6-2. Detection elementSecurity Element6-35. The security element (Figure 6-3) consists of the forward, flank, and rear sections. The mission ofthe security element is to provide traffic control, crew-served weapons support, and FP and can dismountas necessary. The mission of the forward security section is to observe oncoming traffic for threats, identifyhazards or obstructions in the route, and contain suspect vehicles identified by other elements. The missionof the flank security section is to protect the main body from threats on the shoulder or from traffictraveling in the opposite direction, observe vehicles passing through the work area for threats, and providetraffic control within the work area. The mission of the rear security section is to observe trafficapproaching for threats, provide a visual warning to traffic that the clearance unit is ahead on the road,6-8 FMI 3-34.119/MCIP 3-17.01 21 September 2005