Ordnance Recognition

Published March 03, 2015 Updated February 13, 2023

Ordnance Recognition Playing Cards cards designed to help people at risk from unexploded bombs

United Kingdom Army Education Military Safety Wartime

Ordnance Recognition Playing Cards

A set of four packs of educational playing cards designed to help people at risk – whether they are soldiers, civilians, aid workers or deminers - to identify and learn about the threats they face from unexploded ordnance. Careful thought has been given to helping the recognition and learning process. Each card has a good clear image of the item, together with its country of origin, type and basic details. The cards are published by CKA and Fenix, operational bomb disposal companies, working mainly in post-conflict zones on the clearance of mines and other types of unexploded ordnance. The mines, UXO and IED cards were designed by Colin King. The cover design and backgrounds for the small arms packs were produced mostly by Darren Fletcher.

“Danger Mines” playing cards were designed to help people living in mine-affected regions to identify the dangers of unexploded landmines.

“UXO Recognition” playing cards are designed to help people to learn more about, and to avoid, common examples of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

“IED Recognition” playing cards are designed to help you recognize some of the key components used to make improvised explosive devices (IED).

Small Arms Recognition cards show representative examples of commonly used firearms.

These cards are bought by UN and government agencies, often for distribution to their own staff and to local people. The funds raised then allow us to donate cards to smaller organisations and the people we meet or work with in affected countries. Feedback has been very positive and we sincerely believe that these cards help to save lives and limbs.

REFERENCES

Notes by Colin King, Mine Action & ERW Consultancy

To purchase packs visit: Cadet Direct

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By Simon Wintle

Member since February 01, 1996

I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.

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