Page 97 - SyI Quarterly - Q3 and Q4 Edition 2023

Unmanned Systems (US) are an accepted and well-practiced capability for the Military, however, they are
relatively new resource for Law Enforcement and the Mine Action sector. They now provide an excellent
non-intrusive level of visual survey whilst presenting minor hazards to the operator. Employment of
appropriate and suitable US can enhance the previously mentioned long range reconnaissance, but in my
mind, will never replace it. What a US brings to the Search and EOD tool kit is the ability to rapidly gain
access to almost any site and deliver a 360 visual of building(s), especially elevated roof areas or dead
ground. There are now US that can and do operate inside enclosed areas (including tunnels), however, the
potential threat of VOIED must always be considered and I again refer to the importance of the TA and the
associated written threat summary.

Image 14. Courtesy of Kosovo Search Adviser, land
to be Searched prior to release 2000

To satisfy modern legal requirements, the chain of evidence demands that we maintain the integrity of
any items located (or not located and why). There are now robust ACOPs, which, here in the UK, have
withstood much legal rigour in the international courts. There are now well documented Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) so that those trained can remain current and competent when ACOPs
are challenged (which they are regularly). Again, here in the UK we have developed innovative methods
of proving competency with approved training evolutions and corresponding qualifications or licences
(acting as Quality Control). As many of you will know, there are many contractors out there delivering this
training around the world to assist countries build a Search capability and develop capacity. Even if these
capabilities are sometimes mis-employed or undervalued, levels of education standards (literacy and
numeracy) are often overlooked and taken for granted. One of the key elements of Search in this
modern era is ‘Ground Sign Awareness’ (GSA). Many indigenous Searchers have a natural flair for GSA,
finding it to be second nature. Often, any lack of experience with complicated detectors is countered by
their GSA ability, making finds visually, without a detector. GICHD has recently published a document/
guidance note on IED Indicators and Ground Sign Awareness, which is encouraging.

97