Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a transit hide/cache?

A transit hide/cache is designed to store items temporarily during movement and is typically characterized by specific traits that support secrecy and security. The characteristic of being located within minutes of a contact point is indicative of a poorly chosen hide or cache location. Effective transit hides and caches are strategically placed to maximize concealment and minimize the risk of detection; thus, they are not intended to be easily accessible or to have an obvious proximity to contact points.

In contrast, being well-camouflaged in the environment is fundamental for a transit hide/cache to ensure it blends seamlessly with surroundings, effectively reducing the risk of discovery by adversaries. Additionally, the accessibility and knowledge of the cache to personnel usually pertains to operational security principles; while it needs to be known to some individuals, it should not be readily accessible for the sake of maintaining its secrecy and protecting its contents.

The ability to be located easily also contradicts the purpose of a transit hide/cache, as it should be hidden rather than prominent. Therefore, the correct answer highlights a crucial principle of operational security and effective concealment strategies employed in counter-IED operations.