What is a significant characteristic of command initiated IEDs?

A significant characteristic of command-initiated IEDs is that they are detonated at a moment chosen by the bomber. This type of device allows the individual who constructed or planted the IED to have direct control over the timing of the explosion. Command initiation provides the bomber with the capability to ensure that conditions are optimal for their intended target to be in place, maximizing the effectiveness and impact of the device.

This characteristic distinguishes command-initiated IEDs from other types such as victim-operated or time-fused devices, where the explosive may detonate without the bomber's direct control or at a predetermined time. The flexibility to choose the moment of detonation greatly enhances the bombers' strategic options, making these devices particularly dangerous in a wide range of scenarios.