An Iraq bomb-disposal account follows an explosive-ordnance specialist dismantling a sophisticated device that might have been rigged to detonate if disturbed. The operator works slowly, photographs each stage, and finds the same sensitive detonating cord used in a bomb that had already killed soldiers. Recovering the device intact allows higher-level forensic specialists to analyse its sensor and telemetry system and develop countermeasures. The account presents courage as disciplined technical work supported by everyone from the patrol that spotted the device to the scientists who studied it.
Chapter · 4:03-5:10
Bomb disposal turns a captured IED into countermeasures
An Iraq EOD specialist explains how recovering a sophisticated explosively formed projectile intact enabled forensic study and protective countermeasures.