Howdy! I am an EOD technican, and have been in predeployment training since the 21st. Sorry I didn’t get here quicker.
All bombs are like angry snowflakes–no two are alike, and they’ll kick your ass. All have their weaknesses and strengths, and are dependent only on the imagination and training of the bombmaker, and the supplies he/she have on hand.
Is there one “magic wire”? I never count on it. Sometimes there are, some other times there aren’t. I can build you circuits that simply cutting one wire will redirect current to another detonator or firing system hidden in the main explosive. Sometimes, there is one wire, like in a flashlight. There are ways to build undefeatable bombs, but these layer techniques and are often so large, bulky, or cumbersome to handle, that I can defeat the bomber in other ways (i.e. stopping his method of transportation). Sorry, but I’m not giving you my tricks.
Ninety percent of good bomb disposal is analysis and experience. I use all of my diagnostic tools before I take any sort of positive action. I will use X-rays to analyze images to trace wires. I have diagnostic equipment to isolate wires with current/voltages. I can even solve half of the problem by relocating the damn thing to somewhere isolated–like an open field–where I’ve removed the danger from people and property.
I have tricks, man. And I know how to use 'em. But to answer your question, Hollywood is Hollywood. If bomb disposal were that easy, there’d be no need to wear 82 lbs of kevlar to look like a Jolly Green giant.
Damn. I’m much newer to the SDMB than Tripler, but I’m disappointed (in myself) that I haven’t made it more well-known that there are two EOD techs on the Dope. And one of us actually has field experience, although I won’t say which one it is…
Nothing substantive to add to what he said, though… basically, if you have to cut a wire Hollywood-style, it’s the worst day of your EOD life.
ETA: At the risk of coming off as a condescending asshole, I should point out that I accidentally came off as a condescending asshole when I introduced myself to **Tripler **through the Straight Dope. I was trying to make a joke there, not stir shit up.
You may have far more field experience, but I have far more experience being a condescending asshole!
Yeah, I came into the career field pretty late, but dammit, if you need a memo written, I’m all over it. BomTek, I’m giddily looking forward to running into you out. If you haven’t figured out what a DopeFest is, you will when I stop by.
Brother, I didn’t glean that at all; Hell, I don’t even remember what you’re talking about. Consider it water over the damn/under the bridge/UXO RSP’d and disposed of.
Tripler
PM me–need me to bring anything from the States?
Heh. Reminds me - one of Orson Scott Card’s novels had some fun with this point. Due to a series of unfortunate events, a planet-busting bomb is about to be detonated inside the ship carrying it. Happily, one of the ship’s officers is able to disarm it quickly and easily. When another character asks him why it wasn’t more dramatic and difficult, he replies “Oh, disarming the thing is easy. Arming it in the first place - now that’s hard.”
Which, of course, is precisely the way you want a planet-busting bomb to act.
Tripler and BomTek, I don’t know how you guys do this. While looking for full time work, if a job has anything to do with combustibles, I’m outta there. Driving near oil tanker trucks freaks me out enough! May your Kevlar be stronger than Superman.
