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by Capt Ronan Kavanagh (Instructor, SME)
ESSC provides the capability to locate specific targets using intelligence assessments, systematic procedures and
appropriate detection techniques. ESSC operations can be
divided into three categories: offensive searches, which are
conducted to gain intelligence, deny resources and opportunity, and to gain evidence for prosecution; defensive
searches, which are conducted to provide force protection
to deployed forces, or protection for pre-planned events,
such as where a VIP may be the target of a subversive
group; and incident search, which is where an ESSC team
is deployed to isolate a suspected device from potential
firing points and clear a path to the device in order to allow
render-safe procedures be carried out by Ordnance Corps
EOD teams.
An Cosantóir October 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie
Countering the improvised explosive device
threat (C-IED) is an
important role for all
arms of the Defence
Forces and an essential
facet of overseas predeployment training
as well as on courses
at home. While all
soldiers need to be
C-IED trained, the task
of searching for IEDs
and other subversive
arms and ammunition
in high-threat environments, or where a high
assurance of success
is needed, is left to
the engineer specialist
search and clearance
(ESSC) teams of the
Corps of Engineers.
The most important aspect of each operation is the
threat assessment. This dictates the priority of work as
well as the level of personal protective equipment (PPE) at
different stages of the operation and the requirement for,
and locations of, other arms support in the form of infantry
cordons and security, EOD teams or ISTAR assets such as the
Artillery Corps UAV.
The latest ESSC Team course was recently conducted in
the School of Military Engineering, DFTC. This seven-week
course is designed to train Engineer Corps privates and
NCOs in the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) and
equipment required to operate in a high-risk environment.
All students must have already successfully completed a
Combat Engineer course and so will already be trained in
