What are the intended outcomes of an IED categorized as strategic?

The intended outcomes of an improvised explosive device (IED) categorized as strategic are centered around creating a long-term effect on enemy resources. This classification indicates that the aim is to inflict significant damage that not only disrupts enemy operations in the short term but also impacts their ability to sustain military effectiveness over an extended period.

Strategic IEDs are designed to target critical infrastructure, supply lines, or key assets that, once compromised, will hinder the enemy's overall operational capacity or morale in the long run. This contrasts with tactics focused on immediate gains or localized advantages, which might only provide a temporary benefit on the battlefield without achieving lasting disruption to the enemy's strategic capabilities.

The other outcomes, such as short-term disruption or tactical advantages, are more aligned with immediate battlefield actions rather than a strategic approach, which emphasizes longer-lasting impacts on resources and enemy effectiveness. Immediate field fortifications also do not align with the overarching goals of a strategic IED, which focus on damaging or degrading an adversary's operational sustainability rather than defensive positions.