Which of the following represents the common types of switches used on IEDs?

Which of the following represents the common types of switches used on IEDs?

• A. Manual, Pressure, Magnetic
• B. Remote, Seismic, Temperature
• C. Mechanical, Infrared, Proximity
• D. Command, Timed, Victim-operated

Answer: (D)

Initiation switches on improvised explosive devices are typically categorized by how the detonation is triggered. The most common trio is command (remote) detonators, timed detonators, and victim-operated triggers. A command detonation is actuated from a distance by the person preparing the device, often via a wired or wireless link. A timed detonation uses a timer to trigger the explosion after a predetermined interval, allowing deployment and detonation on schedule. A victim-operated trigger relies on someone nearby to activate the device, such as stepping on a pressure plate or pulling a cord. These three cover the broad and traditional ways such devices are initiated. Other sensor-based or proximity triggers exist in some devices, but they are less representative of the standard switch types used across many IEDs.

Initiation switches on improvised explosive devices are typically categorized by how the detonation is triggered. The most common trio is command (remote) detonators, timed detonators, and victim-operated triggers. A command detonation is actuated from a distance by the person preparing the device, often via a wired or wireless link. A timed detonation uses a timer to trigger the explosion after a predetermined interval, allowing deployment and detonation on schedule. A victim-operated trigger relies on someone nearby to activate the device, such as stepping on a pressure plate or pulling a cord. These three cover the broad and traditional ways such devices are initiated. Other sensor-based or proximity triggers exist in some devices, but they are less representative of the standard switch types used across many IEDs.