[teerts]

Originally Posted by devilishone

Just so I don't spend the rest of my life a retard, what the fuck is an IED?

First hit on google:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/intro/ied.htm

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) / Booby Traps
IED Overview

An IED can be almost anything with any type of material and initiator. It is a homemade device that is designed to cause death or injury by using explosives alone or in combination with toxic chemicals, biological toxins, or radiological material. IEDs can be produced in varying sizes, functioning methods, containers, and delivery methods. IEDs can utilize commercial or military explosives, homemade explosives, or military ordnance and ordnance components.

They are unique in nature because the IED builder has had to improvise with the materials at hand. Designed to defeat a specific target or type of target, they generally become more difficult to detect and protect against as they become more sophisticated.