The value of exploded ordnance scrap metal and UXO that can be collected from CF artillery ranges is a lucrative risk the Afghan population is willing to take. Reports indicate that Afghan adults send their children to the properly marked CF artillery ranges, after live fire and calibration training events, in order to collect exploded ordnance scrap metal to sell.
Restricted U.S. Army Unexploded Ordnance Procedures Reference Card from March 2007.
UXO on the battlefield affects the mobility and mission aspects of all units. Battlefields are littered with UXO hazards from two sources: ordnance that has either failed to function or ordnance designed to be used for area denial, such as conventional land mines and the family of scatterable mines (FASCAM). With the sophistication of modern weapons systems, battlefield commanders can target anything within their theater of operations.
After these attacks are completed, UXO hazards will be left on the battlefield. UXO hazards may not always pose an immediate threat to unit mission or mobility, but they are hazards that have in the past caused needless loss of life and materiel. Battlefield commanders need to know where UXO hazards are, as these hazards can affect the mobility of follow-on elements. This manual teaches personnel about the UXO hazard and how this hazard affects mission capabilities and what procedures are used to report
and protect personnel and equipment. All units should be able to react to the UXO hazard effectively and to report and protect against it.
The Purpose of this ULSS is to provide guidance relative to the procurement of (73) Unexploded Ordnance Standoff Disrupter MK 40 Mod 0 (UXO SD). The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) forces are increasingly challenged due to the alarming proliferation of arms and ammunition throughout the world and the trend toward greater weapon sophistication. The objectives of the program are to: increase readiness, availability, maintainability, dependability; decrease life cycle cost; and to incorporate new technology enhancements.