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New IED map symbols help cut threat

Improvised explosive devices have been the largest source of casualties in the war zone and remain a persistent problem.

To help reduce the threat, the Army has created new mapping symbols — for use by all services — that will allow easier tracking, said David Turek, chief of the joint and multi-national doctrine division under the Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

“You want to ensure that you’re doing the best thing you can do for soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines,” Turek said. “If you start identifying where [IEDs] are, then you can avoid them.”

The symbols were created about a year and a half ago, but they have not yet been put to widespread use. That’s about to change.

The diamond-shaped symbols are shown on electronic map displays and can be updated on short notice. When a unit encounters an IED, a situation report is given to the proper reporting agency, such as battalion or company headquarters. Once reported, the IED will be indicated in the electronic mapping used in the field so everyone gets the message. Next time a unit is in the area and consults the map, a symbol will pop up to alert the troops.

Symbols include ones that identify an IED that has not detonated, an IED that has detonated, the site of a suicide bomber attack and the site of a vehicle-born IED attack.

Want more information? Contact Turek at david.turek@us.army.mil.