October, 2005 saw fifty five US soldiers in Iraq killed by increasingly sophisticated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
At this stage there are 90 ways in which to detonate an IED including remote detonation by radio waves or even infrared signals.
The improved tactics of the insurgency are causing
major concern for US forces who are struggling to react.
While radio signal jammers have been used with some success in jamming detonation signals of IEDs, the devices also jam radio communications which presents its own safety concerns for soldiers. It has also led to a battle for control of the airwaves between US and insurgent forces.
“We have incident after incident of collisions, near misses and a commander having to turn off his jammer … so he can talk on the radio,” Army Brig. Gen. Susan Lawrence said. “This is a huge challenge that we’ve got to work on very quickly.”
The growing adeptness of the insurgency at using IEDs has also led to speculation that they are sending members to tertiary institutions to learn ways in which to better utilise technology against the US presense, though US forces representatives have declined to comment on whether any of those insurgent members are being educated in the US.
As US forces began to have some success with jamming technology against IED detonation, the insurgents have moved on to other techniques such as infrared signals. Such technology can be employed using commonly available components such as garrage door openers and burglar alarms.
At this stage there is no way to block an infrared signal.
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