ABSTRACT
In late 2003 and early 2004, United States military personnel based in Iraq found themselves in a situation not too dissimilar from that of Northern Ireland in the early 1970s, albeit on a much larger scale. Initially welcomed into Northern Ireland, British troops soon found themselves facing a ruthless and determined opponent, an opponent that was to mass-produce and emplace improvised explosive devices (IED). Lessons identified by the security forces in Northern Ireland, even 30 years ago can and should be applied to the situation in Iraq and any other theatre of operations around the world. Ultimately it may save lives.
