Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

What is a form of a suicide explosive device?

1. Vehicle-borne IED

2. Time bomb

3. Human-borne explosive

4. Concealed package

The correct answer is: Human-borne explosive

A human-borne explosive device is a form of suicide explosive device because it is typically carried by an individual who intends to detonate it, often targeting people or specific locations. This method emphasizes the personal, deliberate act of using one’s own body to facilitate an attack, which aligns with the definition of a suicide bombing. In contrast, the other options involve different methods of delivering explosives: vehicle-borne IEDs use a vehicle as a means to transport and detonate the device, time bombs rely on a timing mechanism for detonation without the presence of the bomber at the time of the explosion, and concealed packages involve hidden explosives that can be placed in discreet locations but do not necessitate the presence of a person intending to die during the act.