What is NOT a basic component of an IED?

In the context of an improvised explosive device (IED), the basic components typically include an initiator, an explosive charge, and a power supply. The initiator is responsible for starting the detonation process, the explosive charge is the main element that causes the explosion, and the power supply provides the necessary energy to trigger the device.

A shield, while it may be used in other contexts such as personal protective equipment or in certain tactical operations to protect individuals from blasts or shrapnel, is not considered a fundamental component of an IED itself. The phrase “basic components” refers specifically to elements that are necessary for the operation of an IED, and a shield does not play a role in the functioning or effectiveness of the explosive mechanism. This distinction is key to understanding the structure and purpose of an IED.