Marking a safe route next to a compound wall, 2010 (c)

Digital photograph, Afghanistan (2001- ), 2010 (c).

On the ground can be seen talc drops which are used to mark the cleared route. Talc is not a permanent medium, so lasts long enough for the patrol, but cannot be used against British troops later. Spray paint was used, but it lasted a longer time, and could cause confusion, as insurgents would place devices inside the previously cleared route, and the spray paint could cause patrols to think the area was safe when it was not. Also seen are the crops of the area: wheat is grown to April, poppy from April to July.

Digital photograph from DVD of 34 photographs relating to explosive ordnance disposal work in Afghanistan (2001- ).