Humanitarian De-mining

Abstract

The Humanitarian Demining Research and Development (HD R&D) program element develops, demonstrates and evaluates prototype mine/unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearing technologies for U.S. forces and for indigenous, DoD-supported, host nation-conducted demining operations. The HD R&D Program focuses on development of technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of removing post-conflict landmines and UXO, which are a significant danger to U.S. forces performing peace and stability operations, as well as to civilians. The HD R&D Program adapts commercial-off-the-shelf equipment, integrates mature technologies, and leverages R&D activity within DoD, particularly in the Army's Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) Tactical Countermine mission area. Equipment capabilities are assessed by host nation demining partners (foreign military, non-governmental organizations and mine action centers) in actual demining conditions. Since 1995 the Program has fielded technology for 130 evaluations in 36 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan. The program aims to improve existing technologies for: mine/UXO detection, technical survey/area reduction, mechanical mine/UXO and vegetation clearance, mine neutralization, individual deminer protection, and post-clearance quality assurance (QA). Areas of emphasis are identified and validated at a biennial Requirements Workshop held by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (OASD SO/LIC). The Requirements Workshop involves representatives from Department of State (DoS), U.S. combatant commands (COCOMS) and mine-affected nations. Under OASD SO/LIC, the HD R&D Program works closely with the COCOMS and the Humanitarian Demining Training Center (HDTC) to “support the Warfighter” by reducing insurgent access to explosives, providing engagement opportunities for DoD personnel, and speeding improvements to detection and clearance technologies used by U.S. forces in support of USG operations.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2013
• Source ID: 920_0603920D8Z_4_0400_PB_2013

Tags

Readers

• Geochemistry
• Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
• Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.

Technology Areas

• Microelectronics