Verification of minefields, explosive remnants of war and crater analysis

1. Section 1.2 Verification of minefields, explosive remnants of war and crater analysis

2. Aim The aim of this section is to provide peacekeepers with the basic information that will enhance the ability to operate in a mined mission area, as well as basic tools for conducting a crater analysis in a complex United Nations peace operation.

3. Learning Outcome On completion of this section, participants will be able to: Understand and use basic information to operate in a mined mission area in a United Nations peace operation environment Be aware of the value of crater analysis and understand the basic procedures for crater analysis.

4. Remember Military Experts on Mission (MEOM) will often operate in mine and UXO affected areas. Wherever possible they should prevent exposure to mine affected areas. By applying basic safety principles they can reduce the risk of accidents involving mines and UXO. Mine clearance or de-mining entities in existence, either UN, local military, non-governmental organizations, or commercial companies should always be sought for professional assistance in case of mine accidents or when MEOM realize they have entered a mine field

5. Ammunition cans storage Dead or injured animals with blast injuries Tripwires, usually low to the ground Identifying and reducing the threat from mines and UXO Round regularly spaced potholes/craters By passes or tracks around apparently good areas of road Damaged or cleared areas in vegetation

6. Identifying and reducing the threat from mines and UXO Vehicle tracks in a pattern out of the ordinary Ammunition remnants Mines accessories Marking cross circles of stones Marking cross Local markings Small piles of stones Can on a post

7. Military positions including confrontation lines. • Likely military targets including infrastructure, airports • Near civilian locations such as river crossings, wells and water points. • Farmland, woods, vineyards and orchards. • Anywhere where there is a restriction on movement, especially where recovery of a damaged vehicle is difficult. • Bridges, defiles and narrow roads are examples. • Likely ambush areas. • Areas that offer good concealment. Areas to expect mines

8. Areas to expect mines • In rubbles, debris or scrap on an otherwise clear route. • Near any obstruction of a route that causes traffic to move onto a different surface. • Near demolition sites, road blocks and military sites. • Buildings that could be or have been likely command posts, observation points, rest areas. • In doorways and room corners. • In likely resting spots. • In low ground where people might hide. • Around abandoned equipment. Do not collect souvenirs.

9. Practical steps you can take to minimize risks • Remember: • Never run into an incident area • Never enter a known mined area, even in the event of an accident. Seek qualified help immediately.

10. Emergency procedures in a minefield STOP MINED! M : I : N : E : D : MOVEMENT stops immediately. Stand still and remain calm, or if in a vehicle, stop and do not attempt to reverse or move the steering wheel. INFORM those around you of the threat, and your headquarters of your situation and need for specialist assistance over the radio. Use the car horn to attract attention if in a vehicle. NOTE the area and visually identify any other threats such as tripwires, other mines etc. EVALUATE the situation and be prepared to take control to avoid additional casualties and ensure those approaching are informed of the threat. DONT attempt to move from your position. Wait for qualified help to assist you.

11. Leaving when you can identify your own safe footprints Visually identify the best route back Slowly retrace your steps placing your feet only in your own identified footmarks. Only one person should move at a time

12. Going away when you cannot identify your own safe footprints: • Visually scan for tripwires • Remember, it is better to spend days in a minefield waiting for assistance than be injured and killed trying to extract yourself. • Mark – Record – Report – Don't touch!

13. Mine/UXO incident drill • Personnel should never enter a minefield, unless it is last possible resort. • They should contact HQ and request MEDEVAC and assistance to enable extraction. • They should reassure the victim that assistance is en route, and prepare first aid equipment in a known safe area. • If absolutely no assistance is available, those entering a minefield should do so using the procedures noted above for extraction. • It should be remembered to clear an area around the victim large enough to provide assistance. Remember, do not rush to assist a mine victim - call qualified assistance. Remember: Don't touch mines or UXO

14. Improvised Explosive Device IEDs can be disguised as virtually any object, Remotely controlled devices allow the bomber the ability to watch and target forces from distance. Main charges can use any available type of explosives

15. Priority for response

16. Countermeasures Vary the route and never travel as a single vehicle Watch and stay alert. Increase your IED knowledge Employ your OPSEC Any manmade object can contain an IED Do not drive over or step on sandbags, Assume all IEDs are remotely detonated Be on guard. Drive defensively

17. Crater Analysis Value of analysis Verify firing positions that have been established by other means Confirm the presence of belligerent artillery and approximate direction to it Detect the presence of new types of weapons

18. UN Equipment required Compass, stakes and wire A curvature template A still or video camera

19. Shelled areas must be inspected as soon as possible. Safety point Inspection of Shelled Areas

20. The site must be located for plotting on charts, maps or aerial photographs. The global positioning system (GPS) will provide the highest level of accuracy, Direction can be determined by the use of a compass. Survey of Crater Location

21. Pattern Factors affecting pattern. Marks on vegetation and other objects. Drift and wind effects. Ricochet furrows. Determination of Pattern

22. Locate a usable crater Crater should be fresh and clearly defined The grid coordinates of the crater should be precise Direction to the firing weapon must be determined by one of the methods described below, Shell fragments must be collected for use in identifying the type and caliber of the weapon. Crater Analysis

23. Types of Craters • Low-Angle Fuze Quick Craters (Artillery) Low-Angle Fuze Delay Craters (Artillery) • High-Angle Shell Craters (Mortars)

24. Fuze Furrow and Center of Crater Method

25. Side Spray Method

26. Ricochet Furrow Method

27. Main Axis, Splinter Groove, Fuze Tunnel. High-Angle Shell Craters (Mortars) Method

28. High-Angle Shell Craters (Mortars) Method

29. Main Axis Method

30. Splinter Groove Method

31. Fuze Tunnel Method • Place a stake in the fuze tunnel. • Set up a direction-measuring instrument in line with the stake and away from fragments. • Orient the instrument. • Measure the direction to the weapon.

32. Rocket Craters • A rocket crater resulting from a rocket impacting with a low or medium angle of fall; is analyzed in the same manner as an artillery crater • If the rocket impacts with a high angle of fall, the crater is analyzed in the same manner as a crater resulting from a mortar round

33. Shell Fragment Analysis • Duds and Low-Order Bursts • High-Order Bursts • Rotating Bands and Band Seats • Tail Fins • Fuzes

34. QUESTIONS?