Friendly casualty outcomes: choice of counter Improvised Explosive Device tactics matters on the asymmetric battlefield

Abstract

Despite billions of dollars spent on technological devices to counter the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threat, IEDs are still responsible for roughly 50% of the casualties on today’s asymmetric battlefield. Counter IED (CIED) investments in technology and improvements to military operations are hoped to reduce these casualties. This research focuses on CIED military operations and uses computer modeling and simulation to explore two alternative patrol tactics to defeat or otherwise reduce the impact of IED strikes, damage, and casualties on friendly forces operating in contemporary and future battlefields, such as rural Afghanistan. Among other findings and inferences, research analysis indicates the “Stop and Search” tactic results in statistically significantly fewer strikes and casualties than the “Drive Through” tactic.