Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)
Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 5, 2018
1. Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Marker
IEDs are low-technology explosive devices, which are usually homemade. Materials used to make these devices vary widely and include locally sourced switches, power supplies, initiators, explosive devices, and charge containers. IEDs are commonly hidden beside and underneath sections of roadway or under roadside debris. They can be set off using a variety of remote trigger mechanisms, such as a cell phone, pager, hand-held radio, garage door opener, or even simply by pressure.
In order to increase the effectiveness of IEDs, they can be stacked on top of one another or linked together through methods known as coupling and daisy-chaining (shown in this exhibit). When a vehicle passes into the blast zone, the linked devices are then detonated underneath or around it. Insurgents use IEDs to disrupt or distract coalition patrols and convoys, and thereby cause confusion in order to gain some superiority in a potential…
Erected by U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Afghanistan.
Location. 40° 12.456′ N, 77° 9.525′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania and in Greater Harrisburg. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The “Humvee” – High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) (a few steps from this marker); Afghanistan Combat Outpost, circa 2005 (within shouting distance of this marker); “Buffalo” A2 Mine Protected Clearance Vehicle (MPCV) (within shouting distance of this
Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 5, 2018
2. Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Marker
The marker is behind the guardrail. A dummy IED is displayed next to it.
Other markers no longer nearby. Sergeant (SGT) Robert Easley, Jr. (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); HESCO in Iraq (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); HESCO at Home (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); HESCO in Afghanistan (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); HESCO Barriers (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Specialist (SPC) Charles Posey III (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 5, 2018
3. An IED display hidden behind the guardrail
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 378 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 11, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on September 16, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. The continuation of the text where the railing cut it off. • Can you help?
