How many feet should hand-held radios be kept away from an IED?

How many feet should hand-held radios be kept away from an IED?

• A. 15 ft
• B. 25 ft
• C. 50 ft
• D. 100 ft

Answer: (B)

Maintaining a safe standoff from an IED is essential to reduce the risk from blast, fragmentation, and any possibility of triggering the device. Hand-held radios emit electromagnetic energy, and in some IED designs that energy could influence the firing mechanism or arming circuitry if the radio is too close. A practical minimum distance used in many safety guidelines is about 25 feet. This gives a reliable buffer without making operations impractically difficult. Being closer, like 15 feet, doesn’t leave enough margin against variations in devices or accidental RF interaction. Going farther, such as 50 or 100 feet, is more protective but can hinder timely response; 25 feet is considered the standard minimum in many training contexts, with additional distance added as the threat level or device uncertainty warrants. Always follow your department’s procedures for the specific scenario.

Maintaining a safe standoff from an IED is essential to reduce the risk from blast, fragmentation, and any possibility of triggering the device. Hand-held radios emit electromagnetic energy, and in some IED designs that energy could influence the firing mechanism or arming circuitry if the radio is too close. A practical minimum distance used in many safety guidelines is about 25 feet. This gives a reliable buffer without making operations impractically difficult. Being closer, like 15 feet, doesn’t leave enough margin against variations in devices or accidental RF interaction. Going farther, such as 50 or 100 feet, is more protective but can hinder timely response; 25 feet is considered the standard minimum in many training contexts, with additional distance added as the threat level or device uncertainty warrants. Always follow your department’s procedures for the specific scenario.