Angolaindicatorspage1

Andy Smith
MIne-action specialist

Mined area Indicators – Angola

Indicadores nas áreas minadas – Angola

An HMA training resource

The text in this training resource is in both Portuguese and English but is only reproduced in English here.
For Portuguese text - download the *.doc or *.pdf file to get the text in parallel translation.

This training resource is introduced in an article available here.

This training resource is available as a 24 megabyte *.pdf here (recommended when better quality pictures are needed).

All pictures are available in very high resolution suitable for posters. Email me to ask for particular pictures.

All pictures can be used without restriction (other than acknowledgement) except
when such reproduction is for use in any printed or electronic media that is offered for sale.

Cover photograph various mines and UXO,
recovered from a rural village.

Introduction

What are indicators?

In areas where mines have been used, there are usually signs that they are there even if the mines themselves are not visible. Some signs – like minefield fences and destroyed vehicles – should be obvious, but many are harder to see and may not be recognised without special training. All of these signs are known as `indicators' and include a range of components, packaging and clues seen in the immediate surroundings.

Aim

These images have been prepared as a training resource for mine action programs. Used within your existing structured training program, this material is intended to explain the significance of indicators and to enhance people's ability to recognise danger areas among the scenes and situations that they encounter every day.

Target audience

Instruction on mined area indicators is intended for use at two levels:

For local people, as part of general mine awareness training.
In greater depth for deminers and minefield survey teams.

Content

These images show a number of dangerous situations and then highlight the indicators that might serve as warnings. Also shown are images of some mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) as they appear in the field; dirty, partially concealed or overgrown, and at odd angles. The content is not comprehensive, but many of the lessons have a general relevance. Once understood, these principles can then be applied to other situations and devices that are not covered here.

Using the material

This material is a resource for use by mine action trainers to enhance existing programs. It is not intended for use in isolation, but as part of a structured course taught by qualified and experienced personnel. For each lesson, the trainer should select a small number of sheets which best illustrate the principles to be taught, and are most appropriate to the overall theme. Awareness of indicators need not be taught as a separate subject, but can be integrated with more general awareness or recognition training.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, Andy Smith has no control over the way that it will be used, and therefore cannot accept liability for any loss arising from use of this material.

There are no restrictions on reproducing this material for Humanitarian (not for direct profit) use.

Acknowledgements

This material was prepared by Andy Smith. Design, photographs, picture preparation and text are all by Andy Smith.

Andy Smith acknowledges a particular debt of thanks to Ken O’Connell of MgM, and to MECHEM and MgM – organisations that provided access to photographs in their library, and to US DoS for indirect financial support via GWHF during the production of the resource (special thanks to Joe and Mike Trocino).

Many individuals and organisations in Angola offered advice and helped to gather the information and images for this resource. Special thanks to General Helder Cruz of INAROEE; Mario Nunes of NPA; Håvard Bach of GICHD; Theo van Dyk of MECHEM, and Mark Manning and “Tommo” of MAG.

Finally, thanks to the translator, Cláudio de Sousa.

At the suggestion of the original Technical Editor, previous releases of this material included the implication that every photograph was of a real situation. It was felt that this would add authority to the lessons. In fact it has attracted criticism of the auther/photographer for taking risks. The truth is that several of the scenes reproduced were recreated for the pictures using disarmed ERW items. Long lenses and computer manipulation were also used to keep all risks to a minimum.

The resource is divided into titled "Scenes", usually with several associated photographs and explanatory text. Click on the title to view it.

Mined area warning signs

Areas without
signs

Informal
warning signs

Roads in
rural areas

Improvised devices
on roads

Surveyor's stick
scene

Fighter plane
scenario

Abandoned
grazing land

Tank
Scene

Washout
Scene

Embankment
Scene