What does the 'Check' phase involve when dealing with IEDs?

The 'Check' phase when dealing with IEDs is critical for ensuring safety and operational effectiveness. This phase primarily involves examining the surrounding area for additional threats that may be present alongside or as potential backup to the identified IED. By thoroughly assessing the environment, personnel can identify other explosives, booby traps, or hostile entities that could pose a risk to those neutralizing the IED or the surrounding population.

Understanding the layout and any potential hazards associated with the location is essential in developing a safe and strategic response to the IED threat. Even after identifying one IED, there may be multiple devices or dangers lurking within the same vicinity. This cautious approach is central to the broader goal of minimizing risks and ensuring that all operatives and civilians are kept safe during operations involving the neutralization of explosive devices.