Explosive Threat Awareness & EOD Fundamentals Course

(Explosive Ordnance & IED Awareness Training)

Course Overview

The Explosive Threat Awareness & EOD Fundamentals course delivered by EMS SE Ltd is designed to provide learners with a clear understanding of explosive hazards encountered in active and post-conflict environments.

This course does not train students to handle, render safe, or dispose of explosive devices. Instead, it focuses on awareness, recognition, risk understanding, and personal safety, enabling individuals to operate more safely in environments where explosive threats may be present.

The training is suitable for professionals who may encounter explosive hazards as part of their work, but are not EOD operators.

What the Course Consists Of

The course is structured into three core knowledge areas:

- Fundamental Explosive Theory (Awareness Level)

- Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Awareness

- Landmine and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Awareness

Learning is delivered through:

- Instructor-led classroom sessions

- Visual examples and case studies

- Scenario-based discussions

- Risk-awareness frameworks

No live devices, practical handling, or operational drills are conducted.

What You Will Learn

1. Theory of Explosives (Awareness Level)

Learners will gain a conceptual understanding of explosives to support recognition and risk awareness, including:

- What explosives are and why they behave the way they do

- The difference between low explosives and high explosives

- How explosive energy is released and its effects (blast, fragmentation, overpressure)

- Common explosive terminology used in security and military reporting

- How explosive effects can vary based on environment (urban, rural, confined spaces)

This section is designed to help learners understand the hazard, not manipulate it.

2. Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Awareness

This module focuses on recognising IED threats and understanding their impact, not construction or defeat.

Learners will be taught:

- What an IED is and why they are used in conflict and post-conflict zones

- Common IED threat environments (roads, buildings, vehicles, choke points)

- Typical indicators that may suggest the presence of an IED

- How IED incidents affect civilians, responders, and infrastructure

- The importance of standoff distances, avoidance, and reporting

Emphasis is placed on:

- Situational awareness

- Pattern recognition

- Personal and team safety

3. Mine and UXO Awareness

This module addresses explosive hazards commonly encountered long after active conflict has ended.

Learners will develop awareness of:

- What landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) are

- Why mines and UXO remain dangerous for decades

- Common environments where mines and UXO are encountered

- Visual indicators and warning signs used internationally

- How accidental interaction typically occurs and why it is so dangerous

The focus is on avoidance, recognition, and safe decision-making, not clearance or neutralisation.

• What You Will Be Capable Of After Completing the Course

  Upon completion of the Explosive Threat Awareness & EOD Fundamentals course, learners will be able to:

  - Recognise potential explosive threats in active and inactive warzones

  - Understand the risks posed by explosives, IEDs, mines, and UXO

  - Operate with increased situational awareness in hostile or post-conflict environments

  - Make safer decisions around movement, positioning, and avoidance

  - Communicate observations effectively using correct terminology

  - Understand when and how to report concerns to appropriate authorities

  This course does not qualify learners to work with or interfere with explosive devices in any capacity.

  Who This Course Is Designed For

  This course is suitable for:

  - NGO and humanitarian personnel

  - Security and risk management professionals

  - Journalists and media operating in conflict zones

  - Medical and emergency responders deployed internationally

  - Contractors working in post-conflict regions

  - Personnel requiring explosive threat awareness, not EOD qualification

  No prior explosive or military experience is required.

Important Safety & Scope Statement

This training is strictly awareness-based.
It does not provide instruction on:

- Handling explosives

- Disarming or defeating devices

- Clearance or disposal procedures

- Operational EOD techniques

Any suspected explosive hazard must always be avoided and reported to appropriately trained and authorised EOD personnel.