Dismount after the engine is off: a key safety step during 5/25 searches

When conducting a 5/25 search, when should the searcher dismount the vehicle?

• A. After the engine is turned off
• B. While driving slowly
• C. Immediately upon arrival at the site
• D. When instructed by the vehicle commander

Answer: (A)

Dismounting the vehicle after the engine is turned off is a critical step in conducting a 5/25 search because it ensures the safety of the searcher. When the engine is running, there's a risk of additional noise or vibrations that could potentially trigger a concealed improvised explosive device (IED) or distract the searcher from their task. By turning off the engine first, the area becomes quieter, allowing for a more focused and thorough search. In situations where the searcher dismounted while driving slowly, there could be an increased risk of accidental injury or exposure to threats, as the vehicle may not be secured and the searcher may still be vulnerable to oncoming traffic or other hazards. Dismounting immediately upon arrival at the site without proper situational awareness or before ensuring the engine is off could expose the searcher to unnecessary risks. Similarly, waiting for an instruction from the vehicle commander may not always be the best choice if the commander’s attention is diverted or if the situation requires immediate action and assessment. Thus, turning off the engine and then dismounting ensures both safety and readiness to effectively conduct the search.

Outline

• Opening: A quick snapshot of a 5/25 search and why how you dismount matters for safety.

• The key rule: Dismount after the engine is turned off, and why this timing reduces risk.

• What happens if you dismount at other moments: driving slowly, arriving on site, or awaiting orders.

• A simple, safe sequence for a calm, controlled dismount.

• Practical tips and small checks that add up to safer field work.

• Wrap-up: a memorable take-away and a moment to reflect on safety as a habit.

Article: Clear, calm, and ready: the timing of dismount during a 5/25 search

Let’s set the scene. You’re in a vehicle moving through some rather uncertain terrain, eyes scanning, ears listening for cues, fingers steady on the comms. The 5/25 search is a precise, methodical step that keeps you and your team safer while you assess potential hazards. The moment you slide out of the seat and plant your feet on the ground is not just a simple move; it’s a critical juncture. And the timing of that move matters a lot.

Here’s the thing about the rule that often saves lives: dismount after the engine is turned off. It might sound small, but it’s a big deal. Why? Because when the engine is running, there’s more noise, more vibration, and more stray motion that can mask or mimic threats. A concealed improvised explosive device (IED) can be sensitive to vibrations or disturbing sounds, and you want your senses to be as clear as possible. Turning the engine off quiets the environment, so your search is more accurate and your reactions more measured. It’s not about rigidity; it’s about giving yourself the best chance to notice something that could matter.

What if we mix up the timing? There are common ideas that sound reasonable, but they carry avoidable risks. Some might think dismounting while the vehicle is still moving slowly makes sense in a hurry. The reality is quite the opposite. While the wheels are turning, the vehicle isn’t fully secured, and you’re more exposed to unexpected threats—oncoming traffic, debris, or a sudden maneuver by someone else nearby. The risk of an accidental injury rises as momentum carries you into a risky zone. You don’t want to be half-dismounted, with one leg out and your balance compromised, while everything around you stays uncertain. Better to stay seated until you’re certain the area is stable and the engine is off.

Another common scenario: arriving at the site and dashing out as soon as you stop. It’s natural to want to start the task immediately, but if you rush the dismount you miss a moment to recheck the surroundings. The engine-off rule gives you a moment to reassess, to confirm that you’re not stepping into an uncovered hazard, and to confirm your own safety position. If you jump out before turning off the engine, you could miss subtle cues—the glint of metal in the underbrush, the faint smell of fuel, or a shadow that doesn’t belong—that can tell you a lot about what lies ahead.

Then there’s the instruction-by-voice scenario: waiting for the vehicle commander to say “dismount.” In many operations, a clear chain of command helps, but it’s not a guarantee that the moment you’re ready aligns with the moment the commander is paying strict attention. If the commander’s attention is elsewhere or the situation demands quick, decisive action, waiting could cost you time or expose you to risk. The engine-off dismount is a practical default that supports safety and readiness, especially when trust in the situation and gear is a higher priority than waiting for perfect coordination.

So, what does a safe, practical sequence look like on the ground? It’s simple enough to memorize, but it pays to internalize it so you can perform it with little thought when it matters most. Here’s a straightforward version you can adapt to your unit’s standard operating procedures:

• Step 1: Bring the vehicle to a controlled stop and turn off the engine.

• Step 2: Engage the parking brake if available and confirm the vehicle is secure.

• Step 3: Take a beat to listen and observe. Look for anything unusual in the surroundings, and listen for quiet that’s too quiet, or sounds that don’t belong.

• Step 4: Communicate clearly with your team—announce that you’re about to dismount and confirm you’ve checked the area.

• Step 5: Dismount with the standard three-point method (two hands, one foot, or an appropriate contact method) and move to a safe distance and stance where you can execute the search with your eyes and ears Unobstructed.

• Step 6: Reassess from the new vantage point. If you detect anything suspicious, report it and adapt your plan.

That’s the core idea in a bite-sized routine: engine off, secured vehicle, and a calm, deliberate transition from inside the cab to the ground. It’s not about being rigid; it’s about keeping the mind clear and the body in a safe, predictable mode for the search of the area.

A few practical tips that reinforce the routine

• Build your habit: every time you roll to a stop, tell yourself, “engine off, check, dismount.” That mental cue helps you keep to the rhythm even when things get tense.

• Keep the comms crisp: short, precise calls between team members reduce confusion. A simple, “Engine off; dismounting now,” can save seconds and prevent missteps.

• Use a visual check: scan the landing zone for trip hazards, loose debris, or anything that looks out of place—then adjust your position to minimize exposure.

• Mind the noise and vibrations: even after you’ve turned off the engine, other equipment—radios, tools, or vehicle-mounted sensors—can introduce sounds or movement that distract you. Stay aware of those cues as you step out.

• Respect the terrain: if the ground is uneven or below freezing, adjust your stance, take shorter steps, and use your partner for balance as needed.

• Team spacing matters: once you’re out, maintain a safe, spaced formation that still keeps you within effective range for communication and support.

A few notes on the human side of the job

Safety isn’t just a checklist; it’s a mindset. The moment you decide to dismount is the moment you decide to prioritize a quiet, controlled environment for your senses. That quiet helps you spot something that might otherwise be missed—a faint rustle in the brush, a glint of metal, or a barely perceptible change in ground texture. It’s amazing how much a calm environment can contribute to accuracy and confidence.

If you’re new to this kind of work, you might feel a little jittery at first—and that’s normal. The key is to practice the sequence until it becomes a reflex, not a choice made in the heat of the moment. You don’t want to “think through” the steps when you’re standing on uneven ground with unknowns around you. You want to act.

A quick reality check—why the engine-off rule endures

• It reduces ambient noise and vibrations that could mask tells and interfere with the search.

• It gives you time to recheck the environment before you place yourself in a vulnerable position.

• It standardizes the process so teammates can anticipate your moves and respond quickly if something changes.

If you’re working with a diverse team, you’ll notice that everyone brings different habits from different assignments. The engine-off dismount provides a reliable baseline so new teammates can sync with seasoned pros without a lot of friction.

Final takeaway: safety thrives on consistent timing

In the end, the question isn’t merely which moment to dismount, but which rhythm keeps you most protected and most effective at spotting what matters. Turning off the engine before stepping out isn’t a fancy trick—it’s a practical habit that reduces risk and sharpens your awareness. It allows you to begin your search with a clear mind and steady footing, which is exactly what you want when the ground around you might hold more than meets the eye.

If you walk away with one idea, let it be this: the best moment to dismount is the moment you’ve made the vehicle quiet. From there, you can move with confidence, scan with intention, and respond with clarity. Safety, readiness, and solid judgment can ride along with you—every time you follow the engine-off rule.