Defense and Security Studies Commons^™

The Americas: Regional Mine Action Seminar In Peru, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

During a two-day conference in Lima, Peru, participants reaffirmed their collective commitment and dedication to becoming a hemisphere free of AP mines.

The R&D Requirements Workshop, Joe Lokey

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

It doesn’t take more than a day with deminers in a minefield to realize the challenges they face. You quickly discover they are dedicated to what they do, they are passionate about it, and they are extremely vocal about what they think they need to do a better job. A group of dedicated engineers and developers have been carefully listening to what they have to say.

Cromac: Center For Testing, Development And Training, Nikola Pavković

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Having established the mine action program in Croatia, the Croatian Mine Action Center (CROMAC) created conditions to engage not only in the organization and execution of demining operations, but also in research, development and improvement of mine action techniques, technology, and methods; testing of demining machines; and testing of mine detection dogs (MDDs) and handlers, testing and field evaluation of modern technologies, training, and providing professional assistance within the region and beyond.

Current Landmine Impact Surveys By The Survey Action Center, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Survey Action Center (SAC) envisions post-conflict societies being free from the impact of landmines in order to boost peace, stability and economic development. Since 1998, 14 surveys have been conducted, including one in northern Iraq by United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS) and one in Lebanon through the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF). In 2003, seven surveys are being conducted with SAC support. This article describes the current status of the Landmine Impact Surveys (LISs) in Afghanistan, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somaliland.

Exchange For Peace, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

A project organized by the office of the National Councilor Roland Wiederkehr (Member of the Swiss Parliament), Exchange for Peace brings young people from all over the world together to discuss and share their experiences and hopes for a brighter future. The theme of this year’s event was landmines and the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in the field of mine action.

The Office Of Weapons Removal And Abatement: Broadening Mine Action To Include Other Conventional Threats, Hayden Roberts

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The U.S. government has been a pioneer and dedicated supporter of humanitarian mine action since the first mine clearance programs began taking shape in Afghanistan in 1988. Through the investigation of new detection and clearance technologies, the development of indigenous mine action capacities and the formation of a wide array of public-private partnerships, the United States has demonstrated that its response to the persistent landmine problem remains a high priority. Impressive as the combined accomplishments of the U.S. government, the private sector, and other donor governments have been, they still, however, do not provide a full response to the enormous …

Colonel Vosburgh, Oasd (So/Lic): The Successes Of Technology, Margaret S. Busé

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Colonel Allen Vosburgh discusses the success of the Department of Defense (DoD) Research and Development (R&D) program, the challenges of meeting user needs and the role of the military in humanitarian demining operations.

Suspected Hazard Area Mapping In Non-Technical Landmine Surveys, Rune Engeset

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article is a reference for individuals who are planning on performing non-technical landmine surveys of suspected hazard areas or for those individuals who plan to use such data. The author brings the process to life through this detailed account from the description of suspected hazard areas to mapping the data, to storing the data and improving its method.

The Cost Capture Issue In Humanitarian Mine Action, Robert Keeley

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The necessity of cost capture is often overlooked in the mine action community. A truly successful cost assessment must include clear and effective cost-capture mechanisms and even a standard structure used throughout different mine action programs.

Lessons-Learned: A Learning Process, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

During the summer of 2003, we were tasked with soliciting information regarding experience and lessons learned from the mine action community while interning for the Mine Action Information Center (MAIC). We were highly enthusiastic throughout our project while learning the many rigors of data collection and information sharing.

Standardized Testing Of Metal Detectors, T.J. Bloodworth, A.J. Sieber

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Stemming from initiatives to promote standardization within humanitarian mine action, a European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Workshop has been established to standardize the testing of metal detectors. This has produced a CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA) that gives principles, guidelines and procedures for detector testing.

Landmine Impact Survey: Measurement And Display Of Suspected Areas, Hemi Morete

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The purpose of a Landmine Impact Survey (LIS) is "to facilitate the prioritisation of human, material and financial resources supporting humanitarian mine action at the national, regional and global level." The LIS process provides a different approach by measuring the socioeconomic impact of landmines on affected communities. The global application of the LIS has successfully refocused attention away from a purely quantitative measurement of a mine and UXO threat to a qualitative assessment of impact on mine-affected communities.

Rest Sampling: Landmine Detection Using A Fido Device, Mark Fisher, John Sikes, Kip Schultz

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Using ultra-sensitive vapor detection sensor tools like Fido, Remote Explosive Scent Tracing (REST) techniques are bringing innovative and interesting developments to the mine action community. These tools could very well put greater technology in the field alongside conventional detection techniques.

Vegetation Clearance Equipment: Huge Potential In Productivity Improvement, Nathan Kunz

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Upon development of its D-1 vegetation clearance vehicle, DIGGER DTR (Demining Technologies) has successfully responded to many of the demands of the demining community. The second generation, the D-2, will feature several new upgrades and is expected to appear on the market by 2005.

Can Honey Bees Assist In Area Reduction And Landmine Detection?, Jerry Bromenshenk, Colin Henderson, Robert Seccomb, Steven Rice, Robert Etter, Susan Bender, Phillip Rodacy, Joseph Shaw, Nathan Seldomridge, Lee Spangler, James Wilson

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Honey bees have recently received considerable attention from the popular press as an innovative method to detect a variety of explosives, landmines and UXO. Many of these reports are inaccurate and may encourage individuals and demining groups to “sell” a service that they poorly understand or lack the experience to properly apply. As the developers of this technology, we offer the following summary about the current status of this alternative for landmine detection, including its strengths and limitations.

Pigs: A Demining Tool Of The Future?, Jennette Townsend

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

“Pigs are one more means of fighting against the garbage of the war,” says Giva Zin, an animal trainer from Israel whose research on the landmine detection capabilities of pigs is receiving widespread recognition from the mine action community. This article highlights his research on the use of pigs for mine detection.

Mechanical Application In Demining: Modernising Clearance Methods, Alexander Griffiths, Leonard Kaminsky

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Even as mechanical mine clearance systems are increasingly employed throughout the world, the full potential of these machines remains to be seen. Further study of the issue has prompted the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) to release the “Study of Mechanical Application in Mine Action,” due in December 2003.

Testing And Use Of Demining Machines In The Republic Of Croatia, Ivan Steker

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In the course of achieving the quality employment of machines and their development, CROMAC is conducting the activities of testing, verification and accreditation of demining machines.

Priority Setting For Mine Action, Lutful Kabir, Emil M. Hasanov

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Due to a lack of resources to enable all mine-affected communities to be cleared, countries must prioritize mine action activities. The following article addresses prioritization and suggests a new model to help improve the process.

Geneva Diary: Report From The Gichd, Ian Mansfield

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) provides operational assistance to mine action programmes and operators, conducts research and provides support to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC). This article highlights some of the GICHD’s recent activities.

It’S A Bird, It’S A Plane—It’S The Mineseeker Airborne Mine Detector!, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Partnering with QinetiQ and The Lightship Group, the Mineseeker Foundation is developing a system to revolutionize mine detection. By deploying the first operational airborne landmine survey system, the foundation aims to provide the mine action community with a quicker and more efficient survey tool. Additionally, the Mineseeker has the potential to be useful in a number of other areas necessary for development in mine-affected countries.

Bits And Bytes From Bogota, Dennis Barlow

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In mid-November, the U.S. State Department and the Organization of American States (OAS) co-sponsored a regional meeting hosted by the government of Colombia dealing with mine action in Latin America. The goal of the meeting was to identify items of consensus and concern, which would help define a clearer way ahead for obtaining and managing casualty data and for carrying out more effective victim assistance programs. Over 130 participants from 12 nations took part in spirited discussions and focused work groups that attempted to frame key data collection and victim assistance issues. The ideas that surfaced there and the suggested …

Imsma V3.0: Experiences From The ”Imsma Diaspora”, Mohammed Qasim, John Walker

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) V3.0 was released June 2003, and early experience with the system has been positive. Salient features are summarized, including geographic information system (GIS) capabilities based on ArcView GIS. Recommendations include operations-oriented training focusing on reporting information from IMSMA. The following article describes the new version and discusses local customization. The authors also describe upgrading to IMSMA V3.0 based on experience as IMSMA administrators and trainers within their organizations.

Bozena 4 Mine Clearing Flail System, Marián Zimmermann

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The new BOZENA 4 Mine Clearing Flail System is one-of-a-kind in many aspects, from the tracking of AP and AT mines to the lightweight and small design that enables BOZENA 4 to be easily transportable.

Ddasaccident418, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

A bulldozer and crew contracted by the GA and managed by the AGA was working in Malvil on the day of the incident. [Victim No.1], Bulldozer driver, [Victim No.2], Driver’s Assistant and [Victim No.3], AGA appointed foreman were tasked with levelling the SLA bunds and clearing excess vegetation around the village. Immediately prior to the incident the bulldozer was on the dirt road running through the village and attempting to turn around. As the bulldozer moved off the road in its attempt to turn, an explosion occurred under the right hand track, tipping the bulldozer over and throwing the three …

Ddasaccident441, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

Narrative: During the removal of rubble, sand and rubbish in a holding area inside a building (area has been cleared with metal detector and excavation drills in April 2003 by [the same demining group]), the deminer was walking backwards and reaching the rear wall to fill his shovel again, as an uncontrolled detonation occurred. The detonation caused the traumatic amputation of his left foot.

Ddasaccident543, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

A BM-12 smoke shell was reported near the Safe UXO Store of [Demining group] teams working in Logar province. The acting TL briefed the SL to take the UXO away and demolish it. Mr. Paya-I-Din was climbing a hill while taking the UXO to the demolition pit, slipped and the accident happened. It is worth-mentioning that the UXO he was carrying did not explode and apparently a BD RPG7 fuse caused the injuries.

Ddasaccident421, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

The accident happened 21 September 2003. The truck was carrying deminers to work along the cleared section of the road. At 09:00 in the morning, the truck crossed into the uncleared area by a short distance and its left side front wheel detonated a TM-57 AT mine.

Ddasaccident386, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

On the 16th of September 2003 at 12:04 hours the Armoured Grader, assisting in route clearance operations on the road from Chiede to Malungo wa Shikongo, set off an anti-tank mine.

5th Meeting Of The States Parties To The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (2003), Apmbc

Global CWD Repository

The Final Report of the Fifth Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction,

Bangkok, 15-19 September 2003