Recent columns have stated that the US army is detonating IED’s with line charges. Evidently, they appear to be exploding ordinance in the proximity of IED’s, in order to detonate the IED’s.

What is the best method to go about eliminating the threat?

One idea that came to mind is use of a Tesla coil or Tesla ball to generate pulses as high as 12Mv. Since many of these IED’s are powered by 9 volt batteries, exposed wiring should pick up the charge and detonate.

Another idea would be to flood a section of roadway, and plug the water into a power source.

I was wondering what our experts out there had to say. Any takers?

Considering that this is in the "Survival" forum, I'll assume that the scenario that you are describing would take place in a 'worst case', 'crap has hit the fan', 'every man for himself' situation.

In that case, you have several options:

1) Turn around. Someone planted it for a reason. That means there are possible hostile survivalists in the area and are attempting to a) prevent you from accessing an area, or b) looking to disable your vehicle and loot your property.

2) Give it a wide berth and go around it.

3) If #2 isn't an option, and the device doesn't seem large (propane or acetylene tanks, etc) take cover and from a distance, attempt to detonate it via rifle fire.

4) If #3 isn't feasible, take cover and attempt to detonate it with an improvised device of your own manufacture. A couple well made pipe bombs should disable or detonate while allowing you to remain relatively well protected.


One thing that should be considered is that any attempt to detonate, or the actual detonation itself, will surely alert any hostiles in the area to your presence. The single best bet is to locate an alternate route.

Tactical Neutron Airburst after civilian non-combatants evacuated.

Tactical Nuetron Airburst? Care to explain?


As others said: go around, if that is impossible then detonate from a good distance, probably with an incendiary round from a rifle if it is a "gunpowder" or "fuel" based explosive. At the same time keep a sharp eye for enemy activity, as stated, that bomb is there for a reason. So if you see it first and not the other way around: HEAD FOR COVER! Bring your gun. Once you have cover try and figure out where YOU would be if you wanted to detonate an IED from that location, then take out their sniper, you only get 1 shot though before they get you.