Regimental Combat Team One in Afghanistan: A Case Study into the Organization and Operation of a Tactical Level C-IED Cell

Abstract

Improvised Explosive Devices (lED's) continue to be the number one casualty producing weapon against U.S. and coalition forces throughout Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Although not a new weapon, lED's have recently gained tremendous publicity as an effective and inexpensive means to target and engage a technologically superior adversary. In 2010 when RCT-1 deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, they encountered a high IED threat environment. In response, RCT-1 developed a robust Counter-lED (C-IED) cell designed to combat the threat through a combined arms approach. The RCT -1 model represents a unique case study in how future units can organize and operate a tactical level C-IED cell. As lED's are expected to remain a common method to disrupt U.S. mobility in future conflicts, the paper advocates increased training and further institutionalization of the threat into overall operational planning and execution.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 26, 2012
Accession Number
ADA601180

Entities

People

  • Michael G. Hays

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Counter IED
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Business Administration
  • Case Studies
  • Combat Areas
  • Doctrine
  • Employment
  • Explosive Devices
  • Explosives
  • Iraqi-War
  • Lessons Learned
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Training
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.