Explosive Remnants of War in Stability Operations
Abstract
Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) are a global problem significantly contributing to instability throughout the undeveloped and developing-world. ERW also become a primary component used in Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fabrication across the globe, which poses a direct threat to United States (U.S.) military and its strategic partners. Finding ERW is not the principle problem effecting stability. Safely removing and disposing of ERW in a timely manner is. In most cases, neither localized disposal capacity nor any safe and secure storage solutions exist. As a result, ERW remain a threat and hindrance to stabilization even after being discovered or collected. This thesis demonstrates the specific design characteristics for a proposed ERW Collection Point (ERW-CP) and describes how the deployment of systems based on these characteristics can assist in mitigating the global ERW threat. The specific characteristics that make ERW a continuous threat and hindrance to development are identified. Evidence is provided that ERW-CPs can mitigate the identified negative effects of ERW and constitute a viable option using a simple, scalable, sustainable, design and construction methodology. Data collected from empirical tests are provided to support the adequacy of the system design. Recommendations are also provided as to how the ERW-CP design can best be disseminated to assist in strategic partner capacity building, global ERW and Counter-IED (C-IED) efforts, while adhering to global Mine/UXO awareness efforts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA567645
Entities
People
- Deward L. Cummings Iii
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School