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mcmireles: Add as a Colleague
09/22/2011 3:15:27 PM EDT

Nick, several groups are working on innovative methods for detection of IEDs. Our group, however, is working on a rapid, noninvasive device to screen personnel for mTBI. We are able to capture physical symptoms as early as 30 minutes right after head impact. We are still in the beta phase of our testing. I can provide more info and will be presenting my research at MHCC San Diego Dec 2011.

johnargusrobotics: Add as a Colleague
09/07/2010 5:17:10 PM EDT

An excellent source of IED history (French) is to view the film, "Battle of Algiers". IEDs are shown being carried by women across checkpoints, IEds being placed to cause confusion, car bombs, etc. The French changed techniques with "troop surge", water-boarding, and removing rights of citizens. They had an initial success, but were unable to afford the cost, and thus had to leave. Another point of history is the Vietnam War. The Viet Cong developed wooden detonation devices that negated our detection devices. Mr. NP you can learn of our designs at: www.argusrobotics.com. Please note how each design is advanced from the previous. There is a contact icon at the bottom of the first web page.

edoctor: Add as a Colleague
09/07/2010 4:04:24 PM EDT

My company has developed technology that will solve the IED problem both in detection and defeating. We've applied for two patents on the technology with a third on the way. Feel free to contact me at egghead55425@yahoo.com if you would like to learn more. NDA & ITAR required.

Gritts: Add as a Colleague
09/03/2010 5:53:45 PM EDT

We have found the technology in the DC area that can render explosives harmless from a distance; yes, before you get close enough to be harmed. Their proto-type is working. The company is wholly owned by the Engineers that developed this product. I can put you in contact. My contact is: WSG@SecurDigtal.com .

NickPetti: Add as a Colleague
09/02/2010 1:27:43 PM EDT

@johnargusrobotics: Your post reminds me of a news artcle I read recently about border x-ray vans to expose illegal immigration: http://blogs.forbes.com/andygreenberg/2010/08/24/full-body-scan-technology-deployed-in-street-roving-vans/ could this be the next advancement used in Afghanistan to target transportation of IEDs? What technology could be implemented to reduce our potential impact on Afghani commerce and at the same time increase troop safety?

NickPetti: Add as a Colleague
09/02/2010 1:20:29 PM EDT

@mcostello: I have found that this strategy is being used increasingly to defeat the threat. "Attack the Network" tactics are being employed by Task Force Odin in Afghanistan to do exactly what you said. By focusing on befriending local/tribal leaders troops and align their interests in protection with theirs and make protecting their civilians and our troups a joint effort

johnargusrobotics: Add as a Colleague
09/02/2010 1:03:13 PM EDT

IEDs have been around for a long time; the NRA bombings against the British; the New York Stock Exchange was car bombed in the early 1920s; the World Trade Towers were badly damaged by a car bomb. IEDs exist in three modes: assembly, transportation, and placement. 1. Given the ease that IEDs can be assembled it is very difficult to detect the assembly location. 2. Once made IEDs can easily be transported by either vehicle or by individuals. 3. With the IEDs in position, then such devices can be placed relatively easily. Of these three links, the weakest is transportation, much like how the devices are being used against our forces. For detonating an IED as a our vehicle passes by is the same as our transportation mode. Thus, directing emphasis into the transportation mode via checkpoints, roadblocks, and unmanned detection systems will attack the weakest link. The advancement of technology, in all areas, must continue to reduce the effects of IEDs, but in parallel we must direct the attack to the transportation mode of how the devices are carried.

mcostello: Add as a Colleague
09/02/2010 11:06:26 AM EDT

Detection sensors, signal jammers, mine resistant vehicles and armor are all parts of a viable whole solution now being implemented to defeat IEDs. However, our troops getting to know the Afghan people in their AORs for the purpose of locating IEDs is another viable solution that has yet to be implemented.